Heisman Watch, Post-Week 9

Alright, it's 1:30 a.m. and I'm almost caught up.

Heisman Pundit keeps Tebow on top and has Matt Ryan #2 and Dixon #3.

ESPN's poll has Ryan #1, Dixon #2 and Tebow #3.

It seems the race is finally taking shape as we head into November.

NO Matt Ryan on my list. Despite his comeback at VT he completed less than 50% of his passes in that game and is not in the NCAA's top 50 rated passers. He is getting purely good QB on good team votes.

No player links in this section today because I've got to go to bed.
(last week)
1. Dennis Dixon, QB, Oregon. (1) No jinx last week. Leader of top offense.
2. Jonathan Stewart, RB, Oregon. (4) Came up big against USC D.
3. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida. (2) Still the nation's #1 rated passed passer.
4. Matt Forte, RB, Tulane. (-) 5 200-yd games in last 6. 74 against LSU.
5. Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas St. (-) 82 yards+ in every game. Plays big in big games.

--Nate Sandstrom

Top 25 Rankings, Post-Week 9

I'm going to brief here, because I'm so late on posting these.

1. Ohio State (9-0,1). Here's OSU's playoff: Wisc, Ill, and Michigan in final three.
2. Boston College (8-0,2). Didn't score for 58 minutes and still won.
3. LSU (7-1,3). 'Bama is last major test before SEC Championship.
4. Arizona State (8-0,6). Carpenter can't throw, but will play, says Erickson.
5. Oregon (7-1,4). Top 5 showdown puts Ducks in spotlight second straight week.
6. West Virginia (7-1,5). Blowout win at Rutgers getting 'Neers back in BCS talk.
7. Oklahoma (7-1,7). Need to find early season form.
8. Missouri (7-1,9). Maintaining low profile.
9. Kansas (8-0,15). Taking advantage of teams they should.
10. Georgia (6-2,17). What a difference a (bye week) year makes vs. Gators.
11. USC (6-2,12). Lost, but so did everyone else in this range.
12. Auburn (6-3,14). Early season woes a distant memory.
13. Virginia Tech (6-2,13). They got Flutied.
14. Michigan (7-2,18). App. State now has as many losses.
15. South Florida (6-2,10). Need to show they can respond to a loss.
16. South Carolina (6-3,16). Breakthrough year slipping away.
17. Florida (5-3,8). Not winning the close ones they did last year.
18. Penn State (6-3, 19). Ohio State blows out the white out.
19. Connecticut (7-1,NR). Who knew blown call against Temple could wind up mattering.
20. California (5-3, 20). Three weeks, three losses. Where is th D?
21. Hawaii (8-0,22). Waiting for Boise match-up to move this team up.
22. Wisconsin (7-2,22). This 16-point dog has won its last three in Columbus.
23. Alabama (6-2,25). Saban's first crack at old team.
24. Wake Forest (6-2,NR). That's six straight.
25. Clemson (6-2,NR). Davis, Spiller right ship in College Park.

Maybe Ryan Leaf wants a job too.....

(St. Paul) Pioneer Press reporter does a good job summing this up in his lede:

The Vikings have reached the nadir of their search for a productive and reliable quarterback. Jeff George, who hasn't thrown a pass in an NFL game since 2001, is confident he can upgrade the team's 30th-ranked pass offense.

The rest of the article is here.

Apparently the 39-year-old, ex-Colt, ex-Raider, ex-Viking, ex-Redskin, ex-Bear and others has looked around the league and thinks he could help a team, particularly the Vikings.

This seems to build a case for what Mark (not to be seen at SoBo lately) told me last week — there are almost no good QBs left in the league.

I don't think now is any different than from year's past at that position, but if Jeff George catches on somewhere, I may be turned around.


I'll never get over the Redskins for letting Brad Johnson go for George. Here's how that worked out.

--Nate Sandstrom

Lockdown-Part II

My picks have gotten so bad the last few weeks, I should stop embarrassing myself. Here's the crap I'm picking today.
Maryland (+3)
Idaho (+17.5)
Denver (-3)
Upset Special: Northwestern (+390)

--NS

Lockdown-Part I

Fresno State (+3) vs. Boise State
It's Friday football in Fresno tonight, and the home Bulldogs are underdogs. And why not? According to covers they are 1-10 ATS in their last 11 against a team with a winning record.

Boise State is certainly that. They're 6-1 this year and have won 22 of 23 overall since the school's last trip to Fresno, a 27-7 loss in 2005.

But tonight they will again be without RB Ian Johnson. The Broncos are also working on their own bad trend 0-2 ATS on the road this year.

I think it continues tonight.

Fresno State 37 Boise State 31

--NS

Who is the NFL's MVP so far?

So has Tom Brady resurrected Randy Moss's career? Or is it Moss that has brought Brady to the next level?

I say it's a bit of both, but more the latter than the former.

The catches Moss was making against Miami is adding to a sick highlight reel he has assembled this season (to go with 105 ypg and 10 TDs). If the season were over today, I'd give him my MVP.

I have a feeling that Brady would win, and don't get me wrong I'd have him #2. But I don't think he'd have nearly the same numbers (73.8%, 304 ypg 27/2!, 137.9 rating).

Randy's old team, the Vikings, may have a guy who will win multiple MVPs in Adrian Peterson (112 rush ypg, 6.2 ypc, 5TD rush, 1TD rec, 28.5 KR). He probably means the most to his team, but had a key drop and fumble against Dallas. He gets my third place vote.

Don't look now, but LT is creeping back in the race at #4. (He's up to 88 rush ypg and 6 TDs. He's also caught and passed for a TD.) He's got a great match-up this week against Houston to pile on the stats, but needs to do it against good defenses as well.

Devin Hester is not really an offensive player, but I have him at #5. He's second in the league in punt return average and has taken two to the house. He also brought back a kick, scored a game-tying TD against the Vikes and had a good catch in the comeback against the Eagles.

What about on defense? Most people don't care, but I won't let you go unnoticed, dominant linebackers of this league.

I've had NFL leading tackle Barrett Ruud #1 from wire to wire, although he doesn't look great against Calvin Johnson here:



However, Ruud has 66 tackles, a pick, three forced fumbles and two recovered. That's an MVP stat line.

#2 is the jersey I put on most Sunday's, Sean Taylor. Taylor leads the league in INTs and passes broken up with 5 and 14. He also has 24 tackles and he makes them count.

One from the U.:



Rounding out my top five are Osi Umenyiora (8 sacks, 3 FF, 2 FR, 1TD), DeMarcus Ware (34 tackles, 5.5 sacks) and another 'Cane, Ed Reed (4 INT, PR TD).

A quick break for — golf?

I have to give a shot out to my old roommate, current poker rival and good buddy Paul Bangle.



That's him not excited. But you won't see him so dour any time soon, as the coach of the Liberty Lions saw his team set the state 1A/2A tournament championship record with a 2-day 633, topping second place Glenelg by two strokes.

The Baltimore Sun covers it here. Here's the Examiner story. The Carroll County Times has their story here.

Congrats Coach!

--Nate Sandstrom

Nate's NFL Power Ratings-Week 8

The top six hold, but last week's seven and eight, Jacksonville and Baltimore, respectively, plummet.

The Colts are getting a lot of love for whipping Jacksonville, but I put much of it on Quinn Gray, who was not ready for NFL speed. Also, what was that 4th and 1 play that Del Rio ran just before the end of the first half? I can't stand when teams get fancy instead of just running inside.

Anyway, here's my role call this week:

1. New England (7-0,1). I've been betting this team every week and am now retired.
2. Indianapolis (6-0,2). Now travel on a short week in a look-ahead game.
3. Pittsburgh (4-2,3). I'm impressed they got back in the Denver game.
4. Dallas (6-1,4). Turnovers will burn Romo eventually. Now a bye.
5. Green Bay (5-1,5). Will week off get Favre back on track?
6. San Diego (3-3,6). Can beat Houston anywhere.
7. N.Y. Giants (5-2,12). London trip could be perfect excuse for 2007 collapse.
8. Tennessee (4-2,13). Please tell them football games last four quarters.
9. Tampa Bay (4-3,9). Hope they don't have to play on turf (0-3) in playoffs.
10. Seattle (4-3,11). Find the Rams cure what ails ya.
11. Denver (3-3,15). Need to remind city they have a football team.
12. Carolina (4-2,10). Winless at home this year, now Colts come to town.
13. Washington (4-2,14). This thread teaches history. It will not repeat.
14. Baltimore (4-3,8). Ray Lewis is crying and the losing begins. Hello again, 2005.
15. Jacksonville (4-2,7). Run the ball Del Rio. Especially with Quinn in.
16. Detroit (4-2,22). Consistent they're not.
17. Arizona (3-4,17). The Fugitive's favorite team. (Get it, one-armed man).
18. Buffalo (2-4,18). Finally win a close one.
19. Cleveland (3-3,20). Need to stay focused, not look past Rams.
20. Houston (3-4,16). I've been calling for Sage since 2003, in Washington, Miami...
21. Kansas City (4-3,22). Now,they're a playoff team. Will it last? Pun intended.
22. Chicago (3-4,19). A Bears QB wins a game!
23. Cincinnati (2-4,25). They were still down 13 to the Jets.
24. Minnesota (2-4,18). Tavaris presents a quandry.
25. Oakland (2-4,28). How do you lose 17 straight division games?
26. New Orleans (2-4,23). It's a winning streak, regardless.
27. Philadelphia (2-4,24). Speaking of 2005 last place finishes.
28. San Francisco (2-4,26). Has a team that started 2-0 finished 2-14?
29. N.Y. Jets (1-6,29). Please win so Greenberg will stop debating Brady-Manning.
30. Atlanta (1-6,30). Leftwhich era shortest era ever.
31. Miami (0-7,31). Think Saban saw this coming?
32. St. Louis (0-7,32). At least Steven Jackson is back.

--NS

Heisman Watch: Oct. 23

It seems like every week I slide someone into the top spot, they fall back. No one seems to want to win this thing.

QBs dominate the ESPN poll, with Tebow on top.

I'm not loving Matt Ryan like everyone else, but I'll jump on the bandwagon if he can beat Va. Tech on Thursday (don't expect that to happen).

Heisman Pundit calls this a four-man race and also has Tebow on top.

I'm going to buck the trend and give my top vote to Ducks QB Dennis Dixon. As you can see from past posts on Heisman watch, this almost guarantees Oregon will lose to USC.

This week's top five:
1. Dennis Dixon,QB,Oregon. (NR) Pretty much 100 yards rushing and 200 yards passing at rival Washington. Leads what is probably the nation's best offense. 165.8 passer rating, 69.3% and 17/3. Rushes for 59.4 ypg and 7 TDs.
2. Tim Tebow,QB,Florida. (2) Five TDs in Kentucky holds off Wildcats' bid for back-to-back upsets. Haspassed for 66.1%, 17/3 and 177.5 rating. Oh yeah, and rushed for 82.5 per and 10TDs.
3. Chase Daniel,QB,Missouri. (NR) Maybe not the same duel threat as Dixon and Tebow, but led a shredding of Texas Tech last weekend. Daniel still rushes for 30 per and 3 TDs and has passed for 69.2, 17/7 and a 150.1 rating.
4. Jonathan Stewart,RB,Oregon. (NR) Pat White and Steve Slaton got the preseason hype, but Dixon/Stewart are leading the top backfield. Stewart shredded the Huskies defense for 257 on Saturday. He now averages 134.3 ypg and 7.17 ypc! He also returns kicks to the tune of 29.8 per.
5. Felix Jones,RB,Arkansas. (NR) Felix has no chance to win, but I wanted to get him in the discussion at least one week. D-Mc gets all the pub, but his backfield mate has put up the scarier numbers. 110.6 ypg, 9.56 ypc and 7TDs in part-time duty. He also has returned two kicks for touchdowns and averages 31.6 per return.


Bonus sleepers:
I love KSU WR Jordy Nelson, but he needs to score more on offense. if Troy upsets Arkansas and runs the table, DB/return man Leondis McKelvin should get a look. No defensive players ever win, but what about USF DL George Selvie, has 11.5 sacks and 21.5 TFLs.

--NS

Top 25 Rankings: Oct. 22, 2007

Oh, number two spot. I don't really want to put BC here; I think they will be the fourth straight #2 team to go down when they head to Blacksburg.

But I'll give it to the Eagles, as the computers point to them as #1.

I'm not one of those people who scoffs at the idea of computers evaluating teams. Unlike people, computers don't have biases that, say, excuse a loss by USC to Stanford but not by South Florida at Rutgers.

Don't worry, the computers are hating on USC. In the new BCS rankings, it looks like Oklahoma is also getting help from the polls. The computers have them 14. I dropped them three spots after their narrow win in Ames.

I've got four new teams in the rankings this week. UCLA is probably the most controversial because they can't win non-conference games, but they're in the Pac-10 driver's seat after holding on against Cal.

Here's my ballot:

1. Ohio State (8-0,1). Need to avoid turnovers at Penn St. Saturday night.
2. Boston College (7-0,3). Can a Boston team finally lose? Makes me puke.
3. LSU (7-1,5). Lucky as Sh*t University. That's how Les planned it.
4. Oregon (6-1,8). The nation's best offense? USC game is next bench mark.
5. West Virginia (6-1,10). Right back in the BCS hunt with blowout of MSU.
6. Arizona St.(7-0,13). Moves up as others fall. Cal is biggest test.
7. Oklahoma (7-1,4). Apparently the Sooners are not morning people.
8. Florida (5-2,11). Lots of credit from me for win at Kentucky.
9. Missouri (6-1,15). First team to shutdown Michael Crabtree.
10. South Florida (6-1,2). Need to move on, or UConn will make it two straight Ls.
11. Kentucky (6-2,9). Still in East's wild race.
12. USC (6-1,12). Win at Oregon will turn season around.
13. Virginia Tech (6-1,14). A loss to B.C. puts VT squarely as a pretender.
14. Auburn (5-3,19). Move up with close loss at LSU. Not far from 8-0, or 2-6.
15. Kansas (7-0,18). Did what Oklahoma couldn't, won at Colorado.
16. South Carolina (6-2,6). Were looking ahead to other team from Tennessee.
17. Georgia (5-2,17). Were lucky to beat Vandy themselves.
18. Michigan (6-2,20). Wish non-conference was the same as NFL preseason.
19. Penn State (6-2,21). Look to repeat 2005. Is OSU ready for white out?
20. California (5-2,7). So close to 7-0. Now just hope to play on New Year's.
21. Rutgers (5-2,NR). Looking to knock out Top 5 team for second straight week.
22. Hawaii (7-0,25). Where will they get a signature win?
23. Virginia (7-1,NR). How do they keep winning the close ones?
24. UCLA (5-2,NR). Best team that lost to Utah 44-6.
25. Alabama (6-2,NR). May be LSU's last road block in the regular season.

Post-weekend short post

I'm late for work, but I'm still can't believe how Illinois gave the game away to Michigan on Saturday night. On Sunday, the Redskins did their best to lose the 13th game they led at halftime since 2004, but LaRon Landry saved the day. And they were lucky.

Why I'm not a gambler: As you see from the post below, I decided I didn't like the spreads in the NFL this week. So of course I went 11-2 (missed Min +9.5, Was -9). I would've at least pulled a 2-1 on lockdown if Maryland hadn't given up a 90-yard drive at the end of the 4th, but hey, I should've known better to pick against UVa., which now wins every game.

--NS

Lockdown-Weekend of Oct. 20

I really should've posted this Thursday, because I had Rutgers all the way. Lots of big lines in the NFL this weekend, I'm sticking with college.

Oklahoma (-30) at Iowa State
Texas whipped the Cyclones 56-3 last week, what do you think Oklahoma is going to do? We know Iowa State lacks talent, but even the talent they have seems to be underachieving.

The Sooners have been struggling through the Big 12 schedule, so you hate to give 30 on the road. But ISU is sure to give Bradford and crew the chance to post a score like they did in September.

Oklahoma 65 Iowa State 6

Miami (+5) at Florida State
How the mighty have fallen. A game that once was a major factor in deciding the national champion is only drawing the interest of die hards.

These games have been close the last few years, but not necessarily great to watch. Here's the last few:

Away Home
09/04/2006 FSU 13 MIAMI 10
09/05/2005 MIAMI 7 FSU 10
09/10/2004 FSU 10 MIAMI 16
01/01/2004 FSU 14 MIAMI 16

I'd expect another low-scoring match-up. Here's the game-turner:

In Miami's three losses, they've been outrushed by 64, 74 and 97 yards. Who from Florida State is going to expose that weakness in Miami.

Unless Miami finishes far behind in turnovers, I think they'll do enough on D to manage a win here.

Miami 16 Florida St. 6

Maryland (-4) vs. Virginia
Virginia's been winning, but you can only live on the edge so long. UVA RB Pearman is out and it looks like Maryland LB Erin Henderson will be back.

Turner has done the job as the backup, and I think the sold out crowd will be fired up. The Terps played better than the score in their last nationally televised night game, against WVU, and will build on that for this ESPN night game.

Maryland 27 Virginia 13

Upset Special: Louisiana Tech (+15/+550) vs. Boise State
The Broncos have only been away from their blue track once this year, and it was a two-touchdown loss at Washington.

Now to fly across the country after a 4-OT Sunday night game. Not good.

La. Tech has played two one-point games at home, falling to Hawaii and beating New Mexico State.

If they can stop Boise from hitting big plays, I think they can pull a shocker.

Louisiana Tech 51 Boise State 46

--NS

Nate's NFL Power Rankings - Pre-Week 7

Yeah, these are late. Extra links to make up for it.

1. New England (6-0,1). Trying to invent time machine to take on '72 Dolphins.
2. Indianapolis (5-0,2). Will run defense stop the Jags this year?
3. Pittsburgh. (4-1,3). Used off-week to pay parking tickets.
4. Dallas (5-1,4). If they're the best in NFC, why have a Super Bowl?
5. Green Bay (5-1,5). If Taylor had better hands, Favre would've thrown 5 Ints.
6. San Diego (3-3,9). Norv Turner is awesome all of a sudden.
7. Jacksonville (4-1,10). If they can beat Colts, I will forgive week one loss.
8. Baltimore (4-2,8). Bad wins against bad teams keep them stagnant.
9. Tampa Bay (4-2,11). Does Michael Bennett still run 4.13? (Scroll down).
10. Carolina (4-2,18). Can't anyone win with Steve Smith? Oh, except David Carr.
11. Seattle (3-3,7). Rams could help get offense back on right track.
12. N.Y. Giants (4-2,16). They were 6-2 last year.
13. Tennessee (3-2,6). Should just change name to Vince Youngs.
14. Washington (3-2,15). Need lots of doctors on hand this week.
15. Denver. (2-3,17). Javon Walker adds injury to insulting offense.
16. Houston (3-3,21). Put in Sage! 123 rating.
17. Arizona (3-3,13). How long will they hold first?
18. Minnesota (2-3,29). Adrian Peterson is definitely awesome.
19. Chicago (2-4,12). Bears need to clone Hester.
20. Cleveland (3-3,24). Where did this offense come from?
21. Kansas City (3-3,22). Didn't Priest see what happened to Trent Green?
22. Detroit (3-2,20). Bucs haven't won on Turf this year.
23. New Orleans (1-4,27). Some say Seattle was no fluke.
24. Philadelphia (2-3,19). Still only beat Jets by 7.
25. Cincinnati (1-4,14). Hey, they beat the Ravens.
26. San Francisco (2-3,25). Anyone still think this is a sleeper team?
27. Buffalo (1-4,26). Eh, who doesn't want to move to Canada, eh? These guys.
28. Oakland (2-3,23). I don't know what to think of this team.
29. N.Y. Jets (1-4,28). At least they beat Miami.
30. Atlanta (1-5,30) Think Petrino wants to draft Brian Brohm? I do.
31. Miami (0-6,31). Think the Pats forgot this game?
32. St. Louis (0-6,32). Need to get Dolphins on schedule.

High School Football weekend

I'm going to have to apologize for this post, but I'm using an old version of Safari that makes it hard to embded links, so you'll have to cut and paste until I get home tonight.

High school football playoff talk is in the air, as the Sun's Milton Kent blogs here: http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/highschool/varsityletters/2007/10/football_playoffs_at_a_glance.html.

Here's a link to the points standings: http://www.mpssaa.org/fallsports/football/release.asp?release_id=52

A big matchup in Baltimore tonight, as a pair of 6-0 teams face off. Dunbar, ranked #3 by the Sun is at Poly. Half of Poly's wins are against winless teams, so Dunbar, which has outscored opponents 264-36, will be a test.

Kickoff is at 7 p.m. if you want to go. Notable players include Poly RB Lee Reynolds and Dunbar LB Keon Redhead and Kenyon Kinard, the Sun reports.

In Howard County, Mariotts Ridge's upset win over Atholton last weekend takes the luster of their matchup with River Hill this weekend. But it will still be a running back showdown with River Hill RB's Malik Redd, Michael Campanaro and Zach Martin against Atholton's Kelechi Odocha.

Here's Tron's breakdown:

That Atholton loss is forcing me to make some major shake ups in the power rankings, based on gut feelings and not just head to head contests. Hold on to your hats...

TronBlaster's Howard County Power Rankings (Week 7 edition)
(last week) team, record, PF-PA;
The elite
1. River Hill, 6-0, 253-8; 5th shut out in six games, shouldn't have trouble with a suddenly flawed Atholton. (Last week: beat Long Reach 44-0; This week: Atholton at)
2. Wilde Lake, 5-1, 165-69; Only team with as diverse a running attack as River Hill (beat Reservoir 25-8; at Long Reach)
The good
3. Atholton, 4-2, 106-53; Can't drop them out of third, but they're no longer elite. (lost to Marriotts Ridge 7-12; at River Hill)
4. Howard, 5-1, 164-104; Their week five win over Marriotts Ridge now looks even more impressive (beat Hammond 35-21; at Mt. Hebron)
+5. (9) Marriotts Ridge, 4-2, 160-154; With a formidable defense emerging against Atholton, they're now a complete team (beat Atholton 12-7; at Reservoir)
-6. (5) Reservoir, 3-3, 125-80; Being shut out by Atholton in week 5 keeps them squarely behind MR (lost to Wilde Lake 8-25; Marriotts Ridge at)
The respectable
-7. (6) Glenelg, 2-4, 62-149; Could go 6-4 after 0-4 start (beat Centennial 31-16; at Oakland Mills)
-8. (7) Long Reach, 3-3, 88-122; Dominated OM in week two (lost to River Hill 0-44; Wilde Lake at)
+9. (10) Oakland Mills, 2-4, 136-208; First two-game winning streak since like 2001 or something, still leaking too many points (beat Mt. Hebron 22-14; Glenelg at)

Just go out there and have fun kids
+10. (11) Hammond, 1-5, 118-196; Should use speed to beat a banged up
Centennial (lost to Howard 21-35; at Centennial)
-11. (8) Centennial, 1-5, 51-158; They're too banged up and inexperienced (lost to Glenelg 16-31; Hammond at)
12. Mt. Hebron, 0-6, 73-200; They're playing for the number one draft pick (lost to Oakland Mills 14-22; Howard at)

--NS/TB

Mark's Week 7 Power Rankings

1. Patriots (1) - Did anyone else catch Belichick fervently drawing plays for the D on the sidelines? That's why this team is as good as they are.
32a. Colts (2) - I predict a hard game at Jacksonville this Monday.
32b. Steelers (3) - Best thing this team has going for them is that they aren't getting too much hype
32c. Jaguars (5) - I'm almost ready to tip my king to Nate. This team is good.
32d. Cowboys (4) - Wade Phillips may have dug his own grave with the 5-0 start
32e. Chargers (7) - This time next week the Chargers could be getting ready to face a Texans team with a better record.
32f. Ravens (10) - The D Line is alive and well. But now C Mac is hurt. Does it ever stop?
32g. Bucs (13) - Gruden's job looks safe for now
32h. Redskins (9) - Campbell is mmmm mmmm good. (thanks, CC)
32i. Packers (8) - Yes, I realize I flipped the Skins/Packers after Packers won. You got a problem with it? Get your own blog.
32j. Giants (16) - They're hot now. Give it four weeks and there will be fresh turmoil and a two to three game losing streak
32k. Titans (6) - Is this team anything without V. Young? I sincerely doubt it.
32l. Browns (14) - This team is capable of dropping touchdowns in the blink of an eye. It will be interesting to see them trying to crowbar Quinn into the starter's spot next year.
32m. Chiefs (25) - Despite the wins, I'm still campaigning for Croyle
32n. Texans (17) - This week, Texans fans will be happy for Young not to play in Houston
32o. Bear (11) - If only they could kick to themselves...
32p. Panthers (21) - How many people can say they were alive when Kennedy was shot AND threw a TD to Steve Smith?
32q. Cardinals (12) - Matt Hasselbeck is to Peyton Manning as Tim Hasselbeck is to Eli's dog
32r. Vikings (27) - Uh, yeah, I was dead wrong last week. Marshawn who?
32s. Raiders (22) - The defense is giving up 357 yards a game and 25 points. I thought that was supposed to be their strength
32t. Bills (24) - Hello, Taco Bell. Would you like fries with that?
32u. Seahawks (15) - Things are getting so bad here, the cameras are attempting suicide.
32v. Bengals (18) - This team might be getting desperate enough to scrap the "housecleaning" plan and trade for Pacman Jones
32w. Eagles (20) - One rule: don't kick to Hester
32x. Lions (19) - Where's Calvin Johnson
32y. Broncos (29) - Offense is getting 357 yards a game and only 15 points. Get in the end zone.
32z. Jets (23) - The Jets were just fined $100K for that uniform
32aa. Falcons (26) - The Leftwich era begins.
32ab. Saints (32) - Definitely the best of the worst
32ac. Dolphins (30) - 12 points a game. Pathetic.
32ad. Niners (28) - What happened to Vernon Davis?
32ae. Rams (31) - Atrocious.

A blast from the past

While I've spent the last two days covering debates around affordable housing and health care, I've missed out on important things, like going over and over how the Redskins lost on Sunday.

Well, the clock just hit Wednesday so I guess I have to look ahead to Arizona. Washington opened as a 6-point favorite and the line has already moved to 8 or 9 along the strip.

Guess thirds-string QB Tim Rattay isn't striking fear in the hearts of America's football gamblers. And hey 'skins fans? Guess who will back in town to back-up Rattay? It appears the Cards are clearing a roster spot to sign Tim Hasselbeck.

You may remember him from such Steve Spurrier-era disasters as a 27-0 loss to Dallas in which he finished with a passer rating of 0.0 and a 31-7 home loss to the Eagles.

Speaking of 2003, like this year, the Redskins started 3-1. Then they lost a close road game (at Philly 27-25 after they failed to convert a two-point conversion) before the season unraveled and they finished 5-11.

Not that I expect them follow that pattern this year, but I'm a little worried about the state of the offensive line, and in turn, what that does to the rest of the offense. They are not running the ball like they did last year, particularly in the second half of games.

Team officials expect the line to be in dire straits again this weekend, Jason La Canforna writes in Tuesday's Post. Expect updates later this week.

--Nate Sandstrom

Heisman Watch

Only one player who was in my Top 5 last week played for a winning team, so I have another shake-up this week. Honestly, this has to be one of the most wide open races I can recall in recent years. I moved Michael Crabtree to the top of my ballot on numbers, but I don't know if he has a great chance. He's a freshman and plays for a team that has always scored points, meaning the credit goes to Coach Leach's system.
(Last week's rank)
1. Micahel Crabtree, WR, Texas Tech (3). Sick raw numbers. In seven games he's caught 78 passes for 1,244 yards and 17 TDs. By the way, this is his first year playing receiver.
2. Tim Tebow, QB, Florida (NR). He's a media favorite and gets the chance to play in a lot of high-profile games. So far he's posted great numbers, completing 65.5 percent of his passes with 13/3 for a 173.1 passer rating. He's also rushed for 500 yards and 9 TDs.
3. Rashard Mendenhall, RB, Illnois (2). Slowed by Iowa D but got just 15 carries in loss. Still has posted 839 rushing yards for a 6.5 avg. and 10 TD.
4. Jordy Nelson, WR, Kansas State (NR). Mr. Everything for upstart K-State. 56 catches for 727 yards and 3 TDs. Has also thrown two TDs and has returned 4 punts for 172 yards, including a TD in blowout win at Texas.
5. Mike Hart, RB, Michigan (NR). Campaign was buried after an 0-2 start, but leads the nation in yards (1,078) and 100-yard games (7). Has a shot if Michigan keeps winning.

--Nate Sandstrom

Top 25 rankings

I'm barely making the Monday deadline on this, but you have to forgive me I had a long day at work.

And so it was another weekend of mayhem in college football, and its starting to look like nobody will go undefeated. The Buckeyes move into the #1 spot, where I've been tempted to put them the last few weeks. However, I had to give the Tigers credit for that schedule.

Accordingly, they only drop to #5 in my poll with the loss. I have Boston College at #3, which I don't really like, but they will have a chance to earn during their last five games, starting with a trip to Virginia Tech on Oct. 25.

I may have Arizona State a bit low at #13, but like BC they get an off week and then a chance to prove their position the following week when Cal comes to town for homecoming.

Here's my rankings (record, previous).
1. Ohio State (7-0,2). Allowed 7 points or fewer in 6 of 7 games.
2. South Florida (6-0,7). Short time at top if press distracts them from Rutgers.
3. Boston College (7-0,8). They are bigger surprise than S. Florida.
4. Oklahoma (6-1,12). Proved Colorado was a hiccup, back in title contention.
5. LSU (6-1,1). Who'd have thought they couldn't convert on 4th & 2.
6. South Carolina (6-1,5). UNC almost pulled comeback.
7. California (5-1,3). Throw it away! Throw it away!
8. Oregon (5-1,4). Win by 46 and drop? They fall with Cal.
9. Kentucky (6-1,24). Storybook season continues.
10. West Virginia (5-1,9). Looks to right ship against upstart Miss State.
11. Florida (4-2,6). Look to stop Kentucky's magic this weekend.
12. USC (5-1,13). Trailed Arizona in second half.
13. Arizona St. (7-0,14). Rising fast, now comes meat of the schedule.
14. Virginia Tech (6-1,20). Offense is starting to come together.
15. Missouri (5-1,10). Valiant effort but Sooners put Tigers back in their place.
16. Tennessee (4-2,16). Will need a win at 'bama to stay in contention.
17. Georgia (5-2,19). Fifth in SEC East, 17th in nation.
18. Kansas (6-0,21). W at Colorado and Jayhawks may be thinking 11-0 into Mizzou.
19. Auburn (5-2,22). Defense has turned it up.
20. Michigan (5-2,25). Don't look now, but this team controls Rose Bowl destiny.
21. Penn State (5-2,NR). No one wants to play at Penn State.
22. Illinois (5-2,11). Could've won, shouldnt've been that close.
23. Kansas State (4-2,NR). So close to undefeated, yet so far.
24. Cincinnati (6-1,15). Caught a desperate Cardinals team in first loss.
25. Hawaii (7-0,17). Trip to San Jose was way too close.

--Nate Sandstrom

Worst weekend ever

On weekends like this past one, I sometimes question why I invest so much in football.

This is about what I looked like on Sunday night.

I spent Saturday watching all my teams go down in flames. Miami continued their slide with a home loss to Georgia Tech, Iowa State was absolutely annihilated at home by Texas and Wisconsin was run out of the building at Penn State.

How to follow that up? How about watching the Redskins throw away a game they dominated.

I also pulled an 0-for on my "locks" and my softball team lost a game 4-2 dropping us into a tie for first place.

Ugh. Hurry up next weekend.

--Nate Sandstrom

Mark's Week Six Power Rankings

1. Patriots (1) - First test coming up. They'll get an A. Can I rank them higher than #1 next week?
2. Colts (2) - More than two weeks to prep for a road Jacksonville game. They might need it.
3. Steelers (6) - Take the team to the hospital during the bye week and get ready to plow over Denver
4. Cowboys (3) - This week they really will be America's team as all the Patriots haters will be out in force
5. Jaguars (10) - Nate's sanity level - 7 out of 10 (for now)
6. Titans (5) -
7. Chargers (13) - Someone may have woken the sleeping giant. Does anyone think Sean Merriman looks like Seau? I'm talking looks only. Carolyn does. She's crazy.
8. Packers (4) - You can't blame Favre for being Favre. Oh, wait. Yes you can.
9. Redskins (14) - A Cowboy loss realy would have helped them out.
10. Ravens (11) - Yawn. Please, Billick, throw away your playbook, run the ball and remind me why I'm a fan in the first place.
11. Bears (15) - They are who we thought they were!
12. Cardinals (18) - They should take this division. Probably won't though.
13. Bucs (9) - They better trade for a running back soon.
14. Browns (12) - I already get the feeling this is going to be next year's trendy "sleeper" team.
15. Seahawks (8) - You can't blame them for losing a road game to a good team. Oh, wait. yes you can.
16. Giants (21) - Plaxico gets to torch Hall this week.
17. Texans (16) - Don't look now, but they've got the foundation for a strong D-line.
18. Bengals (17) - Dropped a spot in the bye week. If they lose to KC this week, get the popcorn ready b/c this team is waiting to blow up.
19. Lions (7) - According to ESPN magazine, this team has 8 conversions to born again Christians since Kitna signed.
20. Eagles (28) - Moved up to this spot by default
21. Panthers (22) - I guess Testaverde isn't among those that think Trent Green should retire immediately
22. Raiders (26) - First place. What else can I say?
23. Jets (24) - I say it every week. They're good, but don't have enough elite talent.
24. Bills(31) - Sure they never should have lost that game. But 3/4 of that team played great. I haven't seen much of either, but I think Marshawn Lynch is a better rookie than Adrian Peterson
25. Chiefs (19) - LJ had 10 yards last week. This week he'll have 210
26. Falcons (27) - Not horrible.
27. Vikings (23) - Sorry, Adrian
28. Niners (26) - Did anyone else see Dilfer do the Lights Out dance?
29. Broncos (20) - Spanked twice at home now.
30. Dolphins (29) - Someone give Joey a hug and tell him they're 0-5
31. Rams (32) - Rams fans, prepare to be bored in week six. You're playing Baltimore
32. Saints (31) - No more cool Brees.