Week 13 Turkey-fried Trevonics

By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com

Distractions, drinking, an abridged prognostication week, and all sorts of other fantastical excuses are in store for this post of all trades, loyal followers. Sorry for the Bloo-ness of last week, but he distracted me with a cup and ball, and then we played for the site in a rousing game of marbles. Damn bastard plays keepsies, and he plays it to the bone. Before we get back on the Trevonic Horse, let's reset the major errors made both in actual football and imaginary polling. For those who took my little azul friend serious...you have to live with that.

1. Kansas
2. Louisiana State
3. Missouri
4. West Virginia
5. Ohio State
6. Arizona State
7. Georgia
8. Virginia Tech
9. Oregon
10. Oklahoma
11. Southern Cal
12. Florida
13. Boston College
14. Hawaii
15. Texas
16. Tennessee
17. Illinois
18. Virginia
19. Boise State
20. UCONN
21. Clemson
22. Wisconsin
23. South Florida
24. Texas Tech
25. Cincinnati

Its just that time of year when logic is overridden by losses, freak injuries break the ties, and I keep teams like Texas in the purgatory they deserve. I'm not fair, but I certainly am tough, and if I'm not tough, I'm certainly phony tough and crazy brave, that special kind of crazy reserved only for those in the throes of desperation. Now for the scoreboard! We're keeping the season to date, its like when Corso takes a sick day, the last of which I believe was in 1986. Antioxidants, kids, antioxidants.

Season to date:
Against the Spread: 86-97-3
Straight Up: 129-55

There's only one way to dig out of this ATS hole this week. Well actually, there are several: toast, pretzel sticks, popcorn, and jelly beans.




LSU (-12) over Arkansas
Texas (-5) over Texas A&M
Boise State (+3.5) over Hawaii
Virginia Tech (-3.5) over Virginia
Tennessee (+3) over Kentucky
BYU (-4.5) over Utah
Georgia (-3.5) over Georgia Tech
West Virginia (-17) over Connecticut
Oklahoma (-11.5) over Oklahoma State
Oregon (-2) over UCLA
Florida (-14) over Florida State
South Carolina (+2.5) over Clemson
Cincinnati (-20) over Syracuse
Auburn (-6) over Alabama
Kansas (-2) over Missouri


Trev Alberts is not a recognized Blogpoller. He no longer has the motor skills to play ping pong.

Week 12 Bloo-poll!

By Blooregard Q. Kazoo
Staff Figment

I'm free! Ahahahahahaha! My brilliant plan of distracting Trev and the kid with alcohol and Xbox has worked to perfection. Now its time for some imaginary fun with your old buddy Bloo. Let's see what's on the docket today....mock naval battles, no.....lighting things on fire....no.....hmm...what the heck is on this darn to do list. Week 12 Blogpoll....and.....that's it?! Where's the whimsy? Where's the fun? Where's the unjustified hate of popular college football figures? And where are the Kitten Civil War reenactments?

Oh well, I guess if this is all we've got then it will have to do. But, I'm warning all of you, this is MY Blogpoll, my BLOO-poll, so I don't want to hear any cry babies going on and on and on about how theyre favorite team got the boot, or that I'm not respecting their school enough....blah blah blah. Boring! We're going to do this my way, and its going to be pretty darn clear who's in charge this week.....

Week 12 Bloopoll

1. Kansas
2. Oklahoma
3. Missouri
4. Louisiana State
5. West Virginia
   
6. Oregon
7. Arizona State
8. Southern Cal
9. Virginia Tech
10. Boise State
    
11. Ohio State
12. Hawaii
13. Clemson
    
14. Georgia
15. Florida
16. Illinois
17. Tennessee
18. Virginia
19. Texas
    
20. Kentucky
21. Cincinnati
22. Connecticut
23. Wisconsin
24. Auburn
25. Duke!

Ta Da! It would almost make a little bit of sense if I had any sense. Whoo!! Look at that lineup! What a great way to talk about this crazy season. I'm sure there's a bunch of people who would like this year to be imaginary, but this is the best we can do. Up is down, down is up, and we're all twirling, twirling!, towards the splendid bowl season. I cant wait to see some of these perfectly normal teams playing northern bowl games weeks before Xmas! Hahahahaha!

Let's get to the method of my madness:

The top 5: Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Louisiana State, West Virginia
There's at least some kind of logic, albeit twisted right here at the top. First things first, the Jayhawks have pretty colors, an even prettier record, and the coolest fat man this side of Santa Claus. He is just resplendent, isn't he? Mangino in a track suit kind of looks like that Violet Bouregard gal in Willy Wonka. Amazing. They didn't lose to Colorado, so Oklahoma has to take a back seat, but they beat Missouri, so that explains that. The Big XII might actually be in the drivers seat for once. Louisiana State comes in after that knot, as the chainsaw is still so much fun to write about. West Virginia didn't have their schedule, but who doesn't like a good knifewrench? KNIFEWRENCH!

The next 5: Oregon, Arizona State, Southern Cal, Virginia Tech, Boise State
Now we start getting un-rational. Oregon is fun to watch, but they ain't a knifewrench, sorry guys. I hope the sweet uniforms get you some points in the real polls. Arizona State is up here as they are a staple Xbox team in the office....we don't know why....Southern Cal comes so lamely predictably at 8, but only because I can't really drop them much further. Besides, extra points for NCAA infractions! RUMOR MONGERING! YAY!!!!!!! VT had a tough go this year, so its hard to drop them any further either....I mean, they lost to the chainsaw and that ridiculous Matt Ryan business. Boise State, my boys, round out the top ten. Sure, they lost to the vicious animals, but they are still super awesome and might get to play a concussed Colt Brennan!

The middle 10: Ohio State, Hawaii, Clemson, Georgia, Florida, Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, Texas, Kentucky
Alrighty, Ohio State falls here because I don't like them. There, I said it! It's my poll and I can do what I want. You lose to redacted, you get the horns. Hawaii comes in behind my Broncos because I don't like them.....no one cares? Moving on. Clemson is head and speedy shoulders above the rest of these speedy teams because there's nothing we like more than fluky ACC teams with blue as a secondary color...or is it purple....now even I'm confused. Next, we rank the orange teams, Florida, Illinois, Tennessee, Virginia, and Texas, also in order of how awesome I think they are. Illinois gets extra points for kicking out the Buckeyes, Texas gets knocked back for not impressing me ever. Kentucky rounds out the end because I enjoy their jerseys, their offensive fireworks, and would draft them all in fantasy if I had a legitimate pool.

The last 5: Cincinnati, UCONN, Wisconsin, Auburn, Duke
Cincinnati and UCONN are practically the same team. If I offered them both ice cream, they'd both say yes, so let's not split hairs here. Wisconsin gets major props for defeating my most hated of the blue, non-bloo, family of teams, the smelly smelly skunkbears. Auburn sneaks into the rear because they can win the big game. Finally, rounding out the crazy, I give 1 vote to Duke! Don't act so shocked.

The mysterious remains: Brigham Young, South Florida, Air Force
Mormons! Bulls! Flying Zamboni Squadrons! Er....Falcons! Why not? These teams are so cool....do I have to explain myself? Crazy offense, hand signals \m/ , and the entire freaking Air Force!

Bloo is FireMarkMay.com's official figment. He is currently having tea and cake with the Vicar of Imaginationland.

Week 11 Blogpoll/Trevonics: On the Road Again?

By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com

We're compressing posts all of the place, my loyal lemmings of football knowledge. The kid is out there "finding himself" or some other kind of lame new age crap this weeekend. I don't know. Something to do with Himalayan shamans and those weird Scandinavian midget guide business or something. Maybe he's just sick of me and is already abusing my new mental health vacation policies. These are the kinds of things that are important when your staff is normally run by a bunch of figments of the imagination. On top of that, there's that whole bombing of ImaginationLand that's really cramping production around here, not to mention that the Muppet Newscaster is out picketing for the Writers' Guild for reasons only known to him. Anyway, we're going to take a look at the sections of polled blognostery, then some quick picks.

1. Ohio State
2. Louisiana State
3. Oregon
4. Kansas
   
5. Oklahoma
6. Missouri
7. West Virginia
8. Arizona State
   
9. Boston College
   
10. Virginia Tech
11. Hawaii
12. Connecticut
13. Georgia
14. Southern Cal
    
15. Florida
    
16. Texas
17. Boise State
18. Auburn
    
19. Alabama
    
20. Clemson
21. Virginia
22. Tennessee
23. Kentucky
24. Florida State
25. California
    

The breakdown:
The top 5: Ohio State, Louisiana State, Orgeon, Kansas, Oklahoma -
Ohio State takes the lead yet again as the world's most boring #1 team. Only some team from Michigan stands in their way from rolling into the title game with nary a scratch on them. The chainsaw and the duck is more that just a bedtime story Papa Alberts used to read to me in my youth. This time around, the chainsaw's conference buddies may not be enough to get it past a PAC-1o champion duck. Of course, in the story, the townspeople all rigged their votes in the end anyway, so the predictions were all thrown to hell. Kansas has a legitimate claim to spoil everything if they can run the table, but that would involve a Big XII Champion from the little known North division. Oklahoma stands in their way, rounding out the top 5 for destroying Mizzou.

The next 5: Missouri, West Virginia, Arizona State, Boston College, Virginia Tech-
Things begin to sort themselves out now. Missouri has a chance to scratch and claw its way past the Jayhawks into the Big XII title game. West Virginia is the best team in this crazy Big East season. Arizona State could give the Mountaineers a game, but I'm sure they've their ranking between WfnVU and BC. BC is a falling dagger ladies and gentlemen. Its time to play for Matt Ryan's Heisman, and its basically the Dolphins model from the Marino years. Look that up, see how it worked out. Virginia Tech is doing what Virginia Tech does.

The middle 10: Hawaii, UCONN, UGA, Southern Cal, Florida, Texas, Boise State, Auburn, Alabama, Clemson-
The fine logjam of a dilly of a jam of a pickle down here in the middle ten. Hawaii, UCONN, and UGA are doing all they can to get some notice, but its just not happening these days. The Huskies still have a chance to make some waves if they get past Cincy and West Virginia. If they do that, no reason they shouldnt have at least the Mountaineers current ranking. SC>Florida>Texas in the remaining class of the blogpoll, with Boise State ahead of the next tier by means of their resume. Bama has been playing well, but I still think Auburn can win the Iron Bowl this year (and maybe ruin Georgia's season too). Clemson ran so fast, I couldn't put them any lower.

The last 5: Virginia, Tennessee, Kentucky, Florida State, California-
In the last 5, resumes are ruling the roost. What else can I say if I'm ranking the Cavaliers ahead of all of these teams? I'll just point out how far Cal has fallen and move on.

The mysterious remains:
Cincinnati, Illinois, Arkansas-
Three teams that still have the opportunities to do some serious damage to their conferences and cobble together some kind of respectable season. They're all having "good" years, but they are on the precipice of OK. I'm looking at you, Arkansas.

Now for the quickened picks:

Wisconsin (+2.5) over Michigan
Clemson (-9) over Wake Forest
Missouri (-19.5) over Texas A&M
Tennessee (even) over Arkansas
Alabama (-5) over Mississippi State
Kentucky (-3.5) over Vanderbilt
Boise State (-24) over Utah State
Virginia Tech (-6.5) over Florida State
Ohio State (-15) over Illinois
Texas Tech (+6.5) over Texas, Texas to win
Cincinnati (-6.5) over UCONN
Arizona State (-7) over UCLA
Auburn (+2) over Georgia
Oklahoma (-38) over Baylor
Virginia (+3.5) over Miami(FL)
Florida (-6.5) over South Carolina
Kansas (-6) over Oklahoma State
Louisiana Tech (+36.5) over Louisiana State, LSU to win
California (+4) over Southern Cal
Boston College (-6.5) over Maryland
Hawaii (-17.5) over Fresno State
Air Force (-3) over Notre Dame

Trev Alberts is not a recognized Blogpoller. His gets migraines when he does it too much.

Week 10 Blogpoll: Deception!

By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com

I see the loyal Trevians are storming the gates like the college football barbarians of yore. I am so proud of my internet army of the night. Kudos to you, fine savage beasts of the Trev! you have awoken me from my slumber, the kid from his numerous distractions, and have earned an earnest and humble apology from your overlord, the Me. Actually, the kid will be the one truly apologizing, because he is sorry, and a little whiny bitch, and my eternal scapegoat. Long story short, I tried to start composing the entire site on his iPhone, but there were just too many spelling errors, too many things unnecessarily auto-corrected, and the entire office is full of sausage-fingered freaks! It was really a perfect storm that was just plain out of control. Also, the Germans have tried to break my legs on numerous occasions, and we lost some of our best interns trying to distract them these past few days. The current casualties of my lackluster selections this season are two thumbs, a pinky nail, three kneecaps, a sternum, and a minor concussion.

With that out of the way, the best way to get the ball back and rolling is with an unnecessary list! Something really arbitrary and time sensitive. You know, something that will be dated almost as soon as we're done posting the damn thing. Of course! A Blogpoll! Specious reasoning ahoy!

1. Ohio State
2. Boston College
3. Louisiana State
   
4. Arizona State
   
5. Oregon
6. West Virginia
7. Kansas
   
8. Oklahoma
9. Missouri
10. Virginia Tech
11. Hawaii
12. Connecticut
13. Georgia
14. Auburn
15. Alabama
16. South Florida
17. Southern Cal
18. Florida
19. Texas
20. Clemson
21. Purdue
    
22. Virginia
23. Wake Forest
24. Boise State
25. South Carolina

The breakdown:
The top 5: Ohio State, Boston College, Louisiana State, Arizona State, Oregon -
When last met our top 5, I was giving USF the kiss of death. Now, we see some kind of cream surface to the top of this rancid buttermilk of a season. Ohio State and LSU, ok, that makes some sense, even Oregon to some degree, but man, Boston College and Arizona State? This just doesn't happen, people. I almost gave the Sun Devils the number 3, but then remembered that LSU would still chainsaw them into itty bitty pieces of tanned devil jerky 9 times out of 10. Also, their only real victory is this past week over Cal....which is becoming less impressive by the day. Oregon is only a few more steps from claiming the title of best 1-loss team, as I'm sure 2nd losses will continue to be handed out like free Comcast broadband internet.

The next 5: West Virginia, Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri, Virginia Tech-
Some real judgment calls here, and a big ol' Big XII knot if there ever was one. First of all, WVU has the best remaining one-loss in my opinion that doesn't involve directly losing to Oklahoma. Therefore, they are ahead of OU, which begats the Mizzou, son of Shahazbar of the Ozark tribe. But, where to place Kansas? The current reigning awesome fat man of college football deserves some credit for this ridiculous Jayhawks season, but they can't enter the class of the 1-loss power programs until they backslide into them, defeat Missouri, or win the Big XII title, whichever happens first...and then whatever happens next. Virginia Tech is really wishing for a playoff system right now, as their only losses are to the #2 and #3 teams in the county. They are two Matt Ryan ass-rabbits from the top 5 and riding shotgun in the 1-loss-title shot mobile, but thems the breaks.

The middle 10: Hawaii, UCONN, UGA, Auburn, Alabama, USF, Southern Cal, Florida, Texas, Clemson-
Questions start off the the middle ten. Is there enough crazy juice left in this season to give Hawaii and UCONN various kinds of BCS mojo? Can I just pencil them into the Fiesta Bowl now? Georgia keeps proving me wrong and is on a collision course for the SEC title game if they can get past Auburn in two weeks. The Tigers get the WTF award at this time of the year, having been so up and down while being on both sides of some truly pivotal games. Bama has the shot to do its fair share of damages at home against The Chainsaw. South Florida's ranking is honorary at this point, just because they can almost be argued as a pick'em against the Trojans...and I'm enjoying that right now more than anything else. Florida rides its quality 5 wins and 3 quality losses as far as their SEC pedigree will take them, and that's more than sleepwalking UT. Clemson still gets style points from me, and I'll still take them over anyone in the bottom 5.

The last 5: Purdue, Virginia, Wake Forest, Boise State, Tennessee-
Purdue gives the Big Ten their second representative in the top 25 on the merits of them not being Wisconsin or the exiled Michigan. They have 2 losses...to UM and tOSU. That's the Big Ten equivalent of losing to LSU and Auburn, but, you know, not as much because its not the SEC. UVA and Wake Forest are surviving the allure of mediocrity, the siren song of the ACC, and Tennessee rounds out the top 25 for being better than the Visor head to head.

The mysterious remains:
Wisconsin, South Carolina, Kentucky, California-
Again, a constant reminder that Michigan remains unranked. No points awarded. None. We are, however, secretly rooting for them to win the Big Ten by the destruction of Ohio State, whirling the free world into chaos, and spreading the Appalachian State herpes to a vast majority of the nation. Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Kentucky can still back into the bottom 5 (or better) if they win out....but California is hanging on by a very thin thread.

Trev Alberts is not a recognized Blogpoller. He cannot be auto-corrected.

Week 8 Blogpoll: Extra Tasty Crazy

By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com

Get ready for an extra dose of crazy, loyal Trevians, as if the season to date hasn't been chock full of absolute life-questioning upsets. Just saying, there's a lot of madness to go around, and this week's blogpoll is no exception. Between my over-correcting, my under-correcting, and my flat out bold presumptions...well....you take a look.

1. South Florida
2. Ohio State
3. Boston College
4. South Carolina
5. Kentucky
6. Louisiana State
7. Southern Cal
8. Oklahoma
9. California
10. Virginia Tech
11. Oregon
12. Hawaii
13. Kansas
14. West Virginia
15. Florida
16. Arizona State
17. Missouri
18. Tennessee
19. Auburn
20. Georgia
21. Florida State
22. Virginia
23. Cincinnati
24. Texas Tech
25. Kansas State


The breakdown: The top 5: USF, Ohio State, Boston College, South Carolina, Kentucky-
There it is. I'm saying it right now. South Florida is the best team in the country today. Undefeated, untied, and with wins over West Virginia and at Auburn that leaves them above the rest. A consensus number one in the computers, and if they'd been around for more than 10 years, they'd be no doubt number one. Ohio State may have the pedigree, and they may have a chance to close the gap with games against Penn State and Michigan, but for right now, put up the horns for the Bulls. Boston College is here on undefeated momentum, a Heisman candidate at QB, and that lovely East Coast bias. South Carolina over Kentucky over Louisiana State by the wonders of the transitive property.

The next 5: Louisiana State, Southern Cal, Oklahoma, California, Virginia Tech-
And that leaves a very angry, very deadly Tiger team here at number 6. Its at that point in the season that you can argue that they are the best team, but are also the most underrated. That point when talent and potential start giving way to computers, polls, wins, and losses. Southern Cal is up here yet again trading on their name, as Stanford isn't the best loss in the world. In fact, Colorado, Oregon State, and LSU are better losses, but that's the way it goes.

The middle 10: Oregon, Hawaii, Kansas, West Virginia, Florida, Arizona State, Missouri, Tennessee, Auburn, Georgia-
We now settle on strength of losses and quality wins. Oregon's sole loss to Cal looked really good until they forgot they couldn't stop the clock against the Beavers. However, since some crazy types think Michigan is rankable, I guess that shellacking gets more credit. Kansas should probably be higher than Hawaii, and they'll have plenty of opportunity to overcome the Colt Brennan mojo. WVU has the 1-loss edge over Florida, to USF of all teams, while Arizona State retains zero credit for their resume to date. Mizzou has the ability to shock some people, but they couldn't get past Oklahoma, placing them in the strange creamy middle of talent vs. resume. Tennessee is back to pasting people proper while Auburn and Georgia still fail to impress....beyond beating Florida of course.

The last 5: Florida State, Virginia, Cincinnati, Texas Tech, Kansas State-
Rounding out the bottom of the list are some teams with some respectability, like Florida State, some teams clamoring for SOME respect, like UVA, Cincy, and TTech, while Texas, like many of the mysterious remains, clamoring for someone to look past their record and trade on their name a little more. See also Michigan. K-State beat Texas, so that puts them here, and the horns down there.

The mysterious remains:
Illinois, Penn State, Texas, Michigan (really?!)-
Let's get this out of the way right quick. Michigan lost to a DI-AA team. I don't care how good Appalachian State is this year. I don't care how good Michigan is now. All I care about is that at the bottom of the Top 25, there are plenty of teams with better resumes than the skunkbears that deserve the honorable mentions that this ranking strata entails. The redacteds and the zombies are having better years overall than UM, not to mention K-State thoroughly. Texas may be back to there cupcake stomping ways, but they need to earn it just like everyone else.

Trev Alberts is not a recognized Blogpoller. He is the Trev.

Week 7 Blogpoll: Mass Hysteria

By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com

Just more damn chaos in the ranks this week. Let's just get on with this before I change my mind. I have no freaking clue how to sort this out. Look at this. I mean....just look at this. This is what I stay sober for? The hell with it!

1. LSU
2. California
3. Ohio State
   
4. South Florida
5. South Carolina
6. Boston College
7. Southern Cal
   
8. Oklahoma
9. Virginia Tech
   
10. Oregon
    
11. Hawaii
12. Florida
    
13. West Virginia
14. Kentucky
    
15. Wisconsin
    
16. Missouri
    
17. Arizona State
18. Cincinnati
    
19. Kansas
20. Georgia
    
21. Illinois
22. Auburn
    
23. Florida State
24. Tennessee
25. Texas A&M
    

The breakdown:

The top 5: LSU, California, Ohio State, South Florida, South Carolina-
Ladies and gentleman, the undisputed number 1 with a chainsaw. On all fronts, resume, record, and the ability to devour any lesser ranked opponent with big sharp, pointy teeth, the Tigers are the best team in the country. Cal and Ohio State follow on the strength of their records with South Floridas and Carolinas tumbling their ways upwards with good wins and just plain survival. However, no one is safe from the next unknown kittening. It's coming

The next 5: Boston College, Southern Cal, Oklahoma, Virginia Tech, Oregon-
I don't know how the hell they're doing it, but BC is ranked ahead of Southern Cal. Maybe if they'd played Stanford, they'd lose too, there's really no way of knowing, but I'm sure if they did, they'd drop further than 7th. Southern Cal's lofty pedigree keeps them this high, just as it does for Oklahoma, but Colorado at least has a mascot. The Hokies, I admit, are still a bit overrated for now, as I just don't know what the hell they are up to in Blacksburg. They are maybe the most confusing team on this list. Oregon takes the end with the the only 1 loss better than VTs.

The middle 10: Hawaii, Florida, West Virginia, Kentucky, Wisconsin, Missouri, Arizona State, Cincinnati, Kansas, Georgia-
The middle ten is just a jumbled mess of tangled resumes. Hawaii deserves something for being undefeated, and considering Florida's main weakness is their secondary, Colt gets the nod. West Virginia should probably switch places with Virginia Tech, and they will as soon as the Big East stop sucking, or Virginia Tech cobbles a consistent offense, or both. Kentucky and Wisconsin are both having great seasons, save for some stumbles, with Kentucky's being more respectable like. They lost to the Visor, not the redacted. Missouri, Arizona State, and Cincinnati are stuck down here on lack of name recognition, and the fact that I just don't plain trust them. Kansas and Georgia get the same treatment, but without the nice resumes...or something....

The last 5: Illinois, Auburn, Florida State, Tennessee, Texas A&M-
The logjam has to end somewhere, and here it do. The Fighting Redacted make quite a statement with their win over Wisconsin, not to mention the crazy state of the Big Ten at the moment. Auburn is prepared to take their role of spoiler as far as it will go, as will Tennessee. Florida State and the Aggies fill out the rest with their potential to also rock the boat.

The mysterious remains:
Purdue, Rutgers, Virginia, Texas-
The first teams out all show the ability to work their way into the top 25...except Texas....because I am still hating on them. However, everyone else has them on this list somewhere, but when you can barely beat UCF and Arkansas State, while your not living up to the potential, I'm not ready to put them into anything just yet. However, they have the kind of upward mobility reserved for a talented team in a top-heavy conference.

Trev Alberts is not a recognized Blogpoller. He likes to recreate Civil War battles with kitties.

Week 6 Blogpoll: Carnage

By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com

How has it come to this? An hour of wolves and shattered shields for the top 25. As the dust settled, we all realized that we were in the midst of Football-geddon. Let's just sit back and watch the rubble burn.

1. LSU
2. Southern Cal
   
3. California
   
4. Ohio State
   
5. Wisconsin
6. South Florida
7. Kentucky
8. South Carolina
9. Boston College
10. Oklahoma
11. Florida
    
12. Georgia
13. Oregon
    
14. Virginia Tech
15. Hawaii
    
16. West Virginia
17. Missouri
    
18. Arizona State
19. Kansas State
20. Texas
    
21. Rutgers
22. Cincinnati
23. Purdue
24. Clemson
25. Nebraska
    

The breakdown:

The top 5: LSU, USC, California, Ohio State, Wisconsin-
LSU and USC keep their death grip on 1 and 2, now more than ever. Cal jumps to the top of the rest by default and on resume, lining up the PAC-10 semifinal for the national title. Ohio State and Wisconsin are here because no one else has any kind of pedigree, at least not anymore, and the Bucks could probably take the Badgers in a fight.

The next 5: USF, Kentucky, South Carolina, Boston College, Oklahoma-
Ok, here's the part where it start to gets messed up, really really really ridiculously messed up. Even Oklahoma was out of place here last week. Now, look at them, playing second fiddle to the rest of this lot. I know the records speak for themselves, but USF, WVU, and BC? COME ON. I guess this is really good for college football, but seriously? OU is probably under ranked now, but thems the breaks when you lose to Dan Hawkins' kid.

The middle 10: Florida, Georgia, Oregon, Virginia Tech, Hawaii, West Virginia, Missouri, Arizona State, Kansas State, Texas-
Now the rest of the field recovers from the carnage. The middle 10 is home to the smoldering embers of many a national title dream. K-State enters the poll a bit high, maybe even Auburn should be up here, but they are officially better than Texas. The remainders move up into the mid-poll vacuum and we'll see where they shake out in the end. West Virginia, Florida, and Virginia Tech basically line up where I think they lose to teams above them and take everyone else.

The last 5: Rutgers, Cincinnati, Purdue, Clemson, Nebraska-
More punishment for my beloved Huskers. Even in the collapse of the poll above them, I give them no merit to step up a level. Maybe hold on to the ball, and we'll talk. Rutgers needs to bounce back from their run in with the Fridge, and we'll see what kind of team they want to be. Are they Rutgers or are they Louisville? Or are they Cincinnati? And what the hell with these Bearcats? Purdue is putting together a nice season, and in the Big Ten this year, it may be enough to make some waves.

The mysterious remains:
Auburn, Florida State, Illinois-
When you have a logjam at the top, and they all lose, you start to have a logjam at the bottom. If it wasn't for those pesky newbs like Kentucky, these guys are putting up the numbers to be more than just also receiving votes. Auburn grabs a signature win and is back to being a war damn eagle. Florida State overcomes the Dark Lord, and the fighting redacted take down JoePa. Keep an eye out for all of them...especially YOU Callahan!

Trev Alberts is not a recognized Blogpoller. He once ate the silver filings in his Etch-a-Sketch.

Week 5 Blogpoll: Revenge of the Trev

By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com

The kid is once again insane, and our media facilities are tied up for the time being, so the Trev is completely in charge, as willed by the Trev! While depression, whiskey, Halo, and technical difficulties rule the day, I've decided to take a no holds barred approach with the blogpoll. We've seen a good portion of the season, so its not unreasonable to see some big old swings in the polls. It's still not perfect, but as long as its got LSU and USC at the top, it will probably be right at the end anyway, right? Shake it up.

1. LSU
2. Southern Cal
   
3. Oklahoma
   
4. West Virginia
5. Florida
   
6. Texas
7. Clemson
   
8. Ohio State
   
9. Oregon
   
10. California
    
11. Penn State
12. Wisconsin
    
13. South Florida
    
14. Kentucky
    
15. Rutgers
16. South Carolina
    
17. Virginia Tech
    
18. Boston College
19. Georgia
    
20. Hawaii
21. Alabama
    
22. Missouri
    
23. Arizona State
24. Nebraska
25. Cincinnati
    

The breakdown:

The top 5: LSU, USC, Oklahoma, WfnVU, Florida-
This shakeup begins right at the top. I can stand it no more! Chainsaw, get your ass to the top of the list. At the moment, they are flashing the talent, have a better resume, and the style points for that fake field goal are off the charts. Southern Cal could not win in Death Valley if they played tomorrow, hence, upheaval! OU is team 1C at the moment, and Florida could have jumped the Mountaineers if they could just shut down the Orgeron a little more.

The next 5: Texas, Clemson, Ohio State, Oregon, Cal-
Texas, still probably too high, staves off the inevitable with a return to beatdown normality. Thanks, Rice, you let them work the suck out. Clemson gets booted so far up here because....because.....because they are so damn fast! I think they give Ohio State a game, and Oregon/Cal have yet to assuage em of my crumpling fears for them. Cool uniforms prop most of these teams up more than anything.

The middle 10: Penn State, Wisconsin, USF, Kentucky, Rutgers, South Carolina, Virginia Tech, Boston College, Georgia, Hawaii -
OSU>Penn State>Wisconsin now that I've taken a good long look at Wisconsin's offense against Iowa. I still think the home field edges will be the difference in the Big Ten race. The next group is full of wonderment, as I'll buy in to the USF and Kentucky Cinderella business as long as they remain interesting to watch, and don't play anyone. Right now, I'd take them over any team ranked below them, just because they are on their games at the moment. Let's see if they can ride it out. VTech stays up on reputation, as does Rutgers. Boston College remains at arm's length while I check them for forreallness. Georgia should be getting more credit right now....but I'm not feeling that generous. They'll have plenty of opportunity to move up. Hawaii, keep on chuckin'.

The last 5: Alabama, Missouri, Arizona State, Nebraska, Cincinnati-
Finally, I'm punishing my 'Huskers for that Cardinal-esque display of defense against Ball State. How can I put you over anyone with defense like that? You're THIS close to getting Louisville'd right off this blogpoll. Cincy, mad props for your 4-0 start. Not so much, ASU, as we all know you'll break my heart. Alabama over Missouri because they don't play the games on Xbox.

The mysterious remains:
Purdue, Miami (FL), Michigan State-
It goes to show, you go 4-0 in the midwest, with ND on your schedule, and you get also receiving votes. Sparty and the Boilers keep people believing, and good for them. Either one is primed for middle ten territory as soon as they beat someone, extra points for on the road. Miami of Florida shows it can beat Texas A&M, a classic example of a game whose merit will not be established until later in the season.

Trev Alberts is not a recognized Blogpoller. He once ate the silver filings in his Etch-a-Sketch.

Week 4 Blogpoll: Pretty Colors

By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com

Nothing like a few displays of offensive firepower to really right the rankings. Lots of teams impressed the Trev with their domination, and a few more got kicked to the curb for showing their football mortality.

1. Southern Cal
2. LSU
3. Oklahoma
   
4. West Virginia
5. Florida
   
6. Texas
   
7. Ohio State
   
8. Oregon
   
9. California
   
10. Wisconsin
11. South Carolina
12. Clemson
13. Alabama
    
14. Penn State
    
15. Virginia Tech
    
16. Rutgers
17. South Florida
18. Georgia
19. Louisville
    
20. Boston College
    
21. Texas A&M
    
22. Hawaii
23. Nebraska
    
24. Kentucky
25. Missouri
    

The breakdown:

The top 5: USC, LSU, Oklahoma, WfnVU, Florida-
Hear that in the distance? That is the diesel-powered hum of offensive chainsaws, whining in the cold, dark night. This group is hands-down the teams you DO NOT want to be playing anytime soon. USC and LSU are tearing through opponents with a kind of verve, yeah, you heard me, freaking VERVE, that is simply unmatched. Ask VTech or Nebraska how their expectations have been rocked as colse games on paper became prime-time depantsings. OU comes in 3rd with its ability to just plain roll, putting them above WVU on defensive merit. Florida could also be 3rd, and could be even higher very soon, if they humble the rest of the SEC like they humbled the Vols.

The next 5: Texas, Ohio State, Oregon, Cal, Wisconsin-
The enigma that are the Texas Longhorns gets banished to the next 5 for their lack of gravitas. Ohio State may be overranked here, on the count that they don't really play anyone until a couple of games in Big Ten country. Oregon and Cal are the only teams right now with a realistic shot at USC, and I place them firmly in the sandwich of taking Wisconsin's defense, but not Ohio State's....I don't have any empirical evidence to back this up other than the Buckeyes were "fast" enough to run with UW, so take it with a grain of salt.

The middle 10: South Carolina, Clemson, Alabama, Penn State, Virginia Tech, Rutgers, USF, Georgia, Louisville, Boston College-
Attrition! Attrition! Everyone moves up just by holding serve! Let's hear it for UCLA (formerly of these rankings) and Louisville (humbled by UK) making room at the top for teams great and small! Most primed to take a fall, South Carolina, of course, but the visor is still up here making us feel smart until that point in which, you know, he doesn't. Alabama jumps up by taking on Arkansas, and I'd have them as at least a pick'em against PSU and VTech right now. The Dark Lord Saban commands me....they get credit for playing Not-Buffalo. USF gets a lofty high teen ranking for simply sitting home and eating cheeseburgers, not bad. Again, is it so wrong to believe they'd give UGA, UL, or BC a game? I'm ready to move BC higher as soon as I figure out which GTech team they beat.

The last 5: Texas A&M, Hawaii, Nebraska, Kentucky, Missouri-
I'm ready to move any of these teams into the creamy middle of the rankings as soon as there's another stumble, or they throw some more upsets/marquee wins. Example: Kentucky could move up simply by beating any SEC team in my book, and that includes Vandy. Hawaii/BYU or Boise, Missouri/Big 12 South, Nebraska/anyone I recognize....you get the idea. Welcome to the show, Wildcats.

The mysterious remains:
Georgia Tech, Arkansas, Tennessee, UCLA
It's an unidentifiable mass of "huh?" after these four teams. I know they can't be much worse than this, can they? UCLA and Tennessee need to rise up above their collapsing expectations and break a few hearts themselves. Arkansas? Same thing, but some people still have them penciled in as "Bestest 1-loss team evers!111!!!". Georgia Tech is not necessarily the best of these teams, but they are probably the most likely to cobble together a respectable top 25 resume given their schedule.

Trev Alberts is not a recognized Blogpoller. He has natural camouflages.

Week 3 Blogpoll: Inert like Helium

By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com

Just a whole lot of things to get corrected this week. Everything else involves a whole lot of inertia as no one has won big or lost big enough to really uncement the preseason expectations. Except Oregon...because they beat Michigan....a lot. I'm still ready to go crazy-go-nuts with this list as soon as people start playing each other, and that can't come soon enough. At least we had LSU's unholy dismantling of VTech to bring some kind of actual reality to the rankings. A beatdown like that goes a long way to diffuse hypeyness into truthiness.


Outside of that, not a whole lot of stuff shaking up the Periodic Table of Trev:

1. Southern Cal
2. LSU
3. Texas
   
4. West Virginia
5. Oklahoma
   
6. Louisville
   
7. Ohio State
   
8. UCLA
   
9. Oregon
   
10. California
11. Florida
    
12. Wisconsin
13. South Carolina
14. Clemson
    
15. Penn State
    
16. Georgia Tech
17. Virginia Tech
    
18. Nebraska
19. Alabama
    
20. Rutgers
21. South Florida
22. Georgia
    
23. Texas A&M
    
24. Hawaii
25. Washington
    

The breakdown:

The top 5: USC, LSU, Texas, WfnVU, Oklahoma-
This group is stone for the time being, it's really a judgment call where you place USC/LSU and then order the other three. Texas' opener still casts the shadow of doubt, but I'll stay waiting and seeing. Basically, these are the teams that can dismantle almost any opponent right now, and Texas has that within them. Just because the Horns haven't yet is no reason to knock them. Oklahoma Superteam and WVU round out the list with their own brands of offensive fireworks.

The next 5: Louisville, Ohio State, UCLA, Oregon, Cal-
If the first 5 are stone, these guys are Jello. I feel like if I hold onto them too tight, they'll slip through my fingers. Still, their combinations of performance, expectations, and talent has me penciling them in as favorites over most teams outside the top 5. Louisville and tOSU have me waiting to see the other shoe drop. Maybe UL DOESNT score a million points and loses to the next Middle Tennessee. Maybe UW pulls a fast one on the Buckeyes. Who knows? Its not inconceivable. These are our concerns, dude. If I had to call out how the PAC-10 three-way will shake out today, I'm taking UCLA over Oregon over Cal over UCLA.

The middle 10: Florida, Wisconsin, South Carolina, Clemson, Penn State, Georgia Tech, Virginia Tech, Nebraska, Alabama, Rutgers-
Here's where it gets interesting. This is the vast creamy middle of top 25 logjammy goodness that has almost every team save USC/LSU watching their backs. Every one is primed to take a spot in the top 10 with a marquee win and accompanying leapfrog. The 'Cocks do us proud with their win over the Dawgs: Phil Steele power! Clemson runs past Penn State to pile on to their FSU victory...and because ND almost counts as a bye week with that dismal display. The Hokies fall to 17, a fair spot if they find some offense of their own. Nebraska had problems with Wake, and Rutgers gets no love from me for beating Navy. Why? Because I love America, that's why!

The last 5: USF, Georgia, Texas A&M, Hawaii, Washington -
Oh, the controversy! The kid feels physical pain every time I mention the Huskies in the top 25. Frankly, I can't believe it, but Boise State is a good win, which is more than most 2-0 teams can say right now. Do I take any other top 25 team over them? Hell, yes! Fun while it lasts, though. USF gets the bump from taking on Auburn and my hubris that they could take Georgia. A&M and Hawaii get no credit for their non-conference squeakers.

The mysterious remains:
Arkansas, Tennessee, Auburn, BYU, and Arizona State(1)
Ok, the whole thing is driving me up the wall with the SEC teams. I can't rank all of you, and you don't play anyone until conference play. Well, the Vols did, but they lost. They get the nod here as they'll likely play their way back in. Auburn? I'm completely clueless. Arkansas gets out of here with a win against Alabama, as they are still the recipients of my irrational hate. Sweet Xbox team, though. BYU gave UCLA a game, so we'll keep an eye an eye out on the Mormons. ASU....still so tempting...gets a look after beating Division I Football!!!!11!11!!! Colorado.

Trev Alberts is not a recognized Blogpoller. He wears a fake mustache.

Blogpoll Week 2: The Kittening

By Trev Alberts
formerly of ESPN.com

I think it's pretty safe to say that every single one of these damn rankings are in constant flux if the game that can be recently now known as "The Kittening" can occur. It's mass hysteria up and down the board, people! Dogs and cats, living together....you heard me.

(HT:edsbs.com)

Only 4 more days before this list gets shaken up like an etch-a-sketch:

1. Southern Cal
2. LSU
3. Texas
   
4. West Virginia
5. Oklahoma
   
6. Louisville
   
7. Ohio State
   
8. California
   
9. UCLA
   
10. Virginia Tech
    
11. Oregon
    
12. Florida
    
13. Wisconsin
    
14. Penn State
    
15. Nebraska
    
16. Georgia
    
17. Georgia Tech
18. Clemson
    
19. South Carolina
    
20. Alabama
    
21. Texas A&M
    
22. Rutgers
23. Hawaii
    
24. Boston College
    
25. South Florida

The breakdown:

The top 5: USC, LSU, Texas, WfnVU, Oklahoma-
Had sayeth the Trev: "Michigan is here ...and are current kings of the Big Ten hill until someone knocks them off." Because we're good men here, and thorough, allow me to add the obligatory.











The week in question was apparently Week 1. Southern Cal and Louisiana State walk through their openers, showing just enough, Milton Berle style. Texas is here on inertia, and I'm ready to watch them fall, but I'm playing it safe. I'll hedge by upgrading Oklahoma to 5 with their case for a mercy rule against North Texas.

The next 5: Louisville, Ohio State, Cal, UCLA, Virginia Tech-
Ohio State gets to be the new overrated team as I bump them a bit too high now that they've only got 2 games on the schedule....or Michigan could home cook them to the stone age....who knows, but I know the shine has come off of The Game just a little bit. Cal gets some serious action for burning Tennessee in their vapor trails, UCLA gets a little too much boost for an impressive display, even against Stanford, and Virgina Tech still works out the football kinks as I admit that it's probably a little harsh. We'll get a better idea of the Hokies next week.

The middle 10: Oregon, Florida, Wisconsin, Penn State, Nebraska, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Clemson, South Carolina, Alabama-
For some of these teams, their rankings are stuck like glue until something happens. Nebraska and Wisconsin get a leg up for putting on some offensive displays, Georgia gets props from me for handling OkSt's Xbox offense, Georgia Tech announces it's defensive presence with authority...maybe, and lets see some more of SOS and the Dark Lord Saban. Clemson earns a spot with an early show of swagger and speed. Them boys are some fast, bumfuzzlingly fast.

The last 5: Texas A&M, Rutgers, Boston College, Hawaii, South Florida-
Not much to say here as the returning teams need to play their ways up or out of the last 5. Boston College earns its way in as Colt Brennan single handedly brings the Warriors to 24. South Florida remains because I still believe, especially if Kansas State was giving Auburn a game.

The mysterious remains:
Auburn, Tennessee, TCU, BYU, and Michigan State(1)
The Tigers still haven't shown me enough to make it into the middle 10 logjam, their inevitable entry point in the top 25. Tennessee is here on a compromise between getting torched and playing the big game. TCU gets is done, albeit against Baylor, while BYU takes down Arizona, both are at least worth a teeny look, as is Michigan State. The Spartans get a little more than "I got my eye on you" for hanging 55 on UAB, but not much else.

Trev Alberts is an unofficial member of all ranking organizations. He hated his Etch-a-Sketch.