Still paying our former coach: several million dollars
Paying for a Superbowl winning coach: several million dollars
Building a new athletics facility: several million dollars
Seeing Michigan's most famous alum wearing a Notre Dame hat: Priceless
Friday, September 16, 2005
Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Michigan State v. Notre Dame analysis
The Irish are fresh off of a big win over their hated foes (not rivals, foes), the Michigan Wolverines, and as a result have retaken their place in the Top Ten rankings, coming in at 10 in the AP poll, and 12 in the Coaches poll. Coming to town for the home opener this year are the Michigan State Spartans, who have had a termendously prolific offense in their first two games against sub-par opponents. Also, the Spartans have won 4 straight games in the House the Rock Built, so they won't be intimidated by the fervor this week.
Notre Dame Quarterback and Receivers v. Michigan State Secondary
Edge: Notre Dame
Notre Dame's Starters:
Brady Quinn, QB, Jr., 37-57 367 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT, 12 rushes, 58 yards
Maurice Stovall, WR, Sr., 4 receptions, 44 yards
Jeff Samardzija, WR, Jr., 7 receptions, 86 yards, 2 TD
Depth:
Matt Shelton, WR, Sr., 1 reception, 4 yards
David Grimes, WR, Fr.
David Wolke, QB, So., 1 rush, 22 yards
Injury:
Rhema McKnight, WR, Sr., 5 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD
Michigan State Starters:
Demond Williams, CB, Jr., 5 tackles
Ashton Watson, CB, Sr., 11 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT
Greg Cooper, FS, Jr., 8 tackles, 1 PBU
Eric Smith, SS, So., 12 tackles, 1 INT
Depth:
Jaren Hayes, CB, Sr., 5 tackles
Irving Campbell, CB, So., 3 tackles, 1 sack
Mike Bell, FS, So., 1 tackle
Cole Corey, SS, So., 2 tackles, 1 TFL
During the preseason, this would have been a scary discrepancy on paper - Notre Dame's depth and experience against a bunch of green cover guys with almost no depth. With a couple of games under their belts, this gap has lessened, but is still nowhere near a draw. Notre Dame is hurt by the temporary loss of go-to-guy Rhema McKnight, and the MSU secondary has stepped up their game, controlling pass-happy Hawaii last week. Still, Quinn will simply spread the ball around, and I expect the passing game to be effective, if not impressive. I expect Charlie to exploit the secondary with deep routes, using a lot more of Matt Shelton, who is returning to 100% from off-season knee surgery, and his O-line's pass protection.
Notre Dame Running Backs and Tight Ends v. Michigan State Linebackers
Edge: Notre Dame
Notre Dame's Starters:
Darius Walker, RB, So., 46 rushes, 214 yards, 1 TD, 8 receptions, 74 yards, 1 TD
Asaph Schwapp, FB, Fr. 4 rushes, 14 yards
Anthony Fasano, TE, Sr., 8 receptions, 60 yards
Depth:
Rashon Powers-Neal, FB/RB, 14 rushes, 60 yards, 3 TD, 2 reception, 27 yards
Travis Thomas, RB, 8 rushes, 40 yards
Marcus Freeman, TE
John Carlson, TE, 2 receptions, 3 yards
Michigan State Starters:
Kaleb Thornhill, MLB, So., 11 tackles
David Herron, WLB, Jr., 3 tackles
Sirdarean Adams, Bandit, So., 16 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack
Depth:
Justin Kershaw, LB, Fr., 2 tackes, 1 sack
Steve Juarez, LB, Jr., 3 tackles
Rob Tabatchnik, Bandit, So., 4 tackles, 2 TFL
Even though Charlie may go too the air more in this game, I still expect him to give Darius 20 touches. The linebacking corps are inexperienced, but they do have some depth and talent. This unit does not have a star like Pitt, or the athletes of Michigan, so if Notre Dame gets a lead, expect us to wear them down with RPN and Schwapp late in the game.
Notre Dame Offensive Line v. Michigan State Defensive Line
Edge: Notre Dame
Notre Dame's Starters:
Ryan Harris, LT, Jr.
Dan Santucci, LG, Sr.
Bob Morton, C, Jr.
Dan Stevenson, RG, Sr.
Mark LeVoir, RT, Sr.
Depth:
Scott Raridon, G, Sr.
Brian Mattes, G, Sr.
John Sullivan, C, Jr.
Michael Turkovich, T, Fr.
Paul Duncan, T, Fr.
Michigan State Starters:
Michael Bazemore, DE, Sr., 5 tackles, 1 TFL
Domata Peko, DT, Sr., 2 tackles
David Stanton, DT, Jr., 2 tackles, 1 TFL
Clifton Ryan, DE, Jr., 3 tackles, 1 TFL
Depth:
Nick Smith, DE, So., 1 TFL
Joe Toth, DT, So.
Justin Kershaw, DT, Fr., 2 tackles, 1 TFL
This defensive line is not very fast or athletic, and should therefore give Brady all day to sit in the pocket. However, they are the biggest D-line we will face this year, so don't look for Weis to test the interior line with the run; he'll probably run off-tackle and sweep plays to isolate the running backs against the linebackers early. Later in the game, the 300+ pounders will tire of attempting to chase Darius, and the lack of depth will come to the forefront. If Charlie gets a lead he'll pound away inside late to take advantage.
Michigan State Quarterback and Receivers v. Notre Dame Secondary
Edge: Draw
Michigan State Starters:
Drew Stanton, QB, Jr., 43-55, 598 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT
Matt Trannon, WR, Sr., 6 receptions, 90 yards, 1 TD
Kyle Brown, WR, Sr., 12 receptions, 133 yards, 1 TD
Jeramy Scott, WR, Jr., 11 receptions, 155 yards, 2 TD
Depth:
Brian Hoyer, QB, Fr., 4-5, 28 yards
Kerry Reed, WR, Jr., 3 receptions, 32 yards
Ryan Allsion, WR, Fr., 1 reception, 9 yards
Terry Love, WR, So., 8 receptions, 164 yards, 1 TD
Notre Dame's Starters:
Mike Richardson, CB, Sr., 8 tackles, 1 PBU
Ambrose Wooden, CB, Jr., 17 tackles, 1 PBU
Tom Zbikowski, SS, Jr., 17 tackles, 2 INT
Chinedum Ndukwe, WS, So., 7 tackles, 1 PBU, 2 fumble recoveries
Depth:
LaBrose Hedgemon II, CB, Jr.
Leo Ferrine, CB, So., 1 tackle
Terrail Lambert, CB, So., 2 tackles
David Bruton, S, Fr., 1 tackle
Kyle McCarthy, S, Fr.
Looking at the gaudy numbers coming in, it is hard to give an edge to Notre Dame's secondary, but this unit isn't nearly as talented (except perhaps at quarterback) as last week's opponent. There are no superstar receivers, but they are talented throughout. Last week, the Irish secondary stepped up their level of play, and for the first time in ages, didn't give up the big touchdown pass. Because I can't tell if Michigan State is for real due to their less-than-stellar opponents to date, and the secondary hasn't played enough games to build a reputation for shutting teams down, I'm calling this a draw. I'm calling for a blow-out win below, but if Michigan State's offense is as good as they appeared to be against lesser opponents, they could be the biggest test for this unit from a scheming standpoint.
Michigan State Running Backs and Tight Ends v. Notre Dame Linebackers
Edge: Notre Dame
Michigan State's Starters:
Jason Teague, RB, Sr., 15 rushes, 92 yards, 1 TD
Ryan Woods, TE, Sr., 1 reception, 2 yards
Depth:
Jehuu Caulcrick, RB, So., 34 rushes, 231 yards, 3 TD
Javon Ringer, RB, ??., 22 rushes, 159 yards, 4 TD
Kellen Davis, TE, So., 1 reception, 20 yards
Notre Dame Starters:
Brandon Hoyte, WLB, Sr., 21 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 PBU
Corey Mays, MLB, Sr., 11 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU
Maurice Crum, Jr., Apache, Jr., 10 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Depth:
Joe Brockington, LB, Jr., 1 tackle
Mitchell Thomas, LB, Jr., 1 tackle
Anthony Vernaglia, Apache, So.
Steve Quinn, Apache, Fr.
Again, this unit was very prolific in MSU's first couple of games, but Hoyte is playing at a near all-american level, and Corey Mays has shown that he can be a terror as well. Crum improved greatly between weeks one and two, and Michigan State is the first team that doesn't get a lot of production out of their tight ends (despite a system that is designed to have receiver-first blocker-second tight ends). This should free him up a little bit to start hitting people, and could be a key to shutting down this potent offense.
Caulcrick and Teague operate as a running back by committee system, with Teague listed as the starter. However, Caulcrick is the star, and at 243 lbs. is a beast to bring down. Overall, though, this one of the less talented running attacks we'll face this year, and they shouldn't be a problem.
Michigan State Offensive Line v. Notre Dame Defensive Line
Edge: Michigan State
Michigan State Starters:
Stefon Wheeler, LT, Sr.
Kyle Cook, LG, Jr.
Chris Morris, C, Sr.
Gordon Niebylski, RG, Sr.
Mike Gyetvai, RT, So.
Depth:
Tom Kaczmarek, T, Fr.
Daniel Zynn, G, Jr.
John Masters, C, So.
Notre Dame's Starters:
Victor Abiamiri, DE, Jr., 6 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 PBU
Trevor Laws, DT, Jr., 2 tackles. 1 PBU D
erek Landri, DT, Sr., 3 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PBU
Chris Frome, DE, Sr., 2 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU
Depth:
Brian Beidatsch, DT, Sr., 3 tackles, 1 TFL
Dwight Stephenson, Jr., DT, Jr.
Ronald Talley, DE, So., 4 tackles, 1 PBU
Justin Brown, DE, So., 2 tackles
Experience, size, and depth are the triumpherate of good offensive lines, and MSU has them in spades. While they aren't the best line we'll face, they are at least as good as the Michigan O-line. Our defensive line showed their awareness by batting down 5 balls last week, and have been good at getting pressure, but their lack of sacks continue to worry me, especially with a quarterback in Stanton that uses his feet to buy time in the pocket or rush for a first down. If Vic Abiamiri is going to prove himself as a pass-rusher worthy of the fear that Justin Tuck engendered last year, he'll have to do it soon.
Notre Dame Head Coach v. Michigan State Head Coach
Edge: Notre Dame
Notre Dame's Head Coach: Charlie Weis, 1st year, 2-0
Michigan State Head Coach: John L. Smith, 3rd year, 13-12 (2-0)
Until somebody shows me that they can plan for Charlie's preparation, I'm going to give the edge to Charlie every time. John L. Smith is a system coach who came to MSU from Louisville (who hasn't suffered much since he left...), and his system seems to be coming together. His defense is still suspect, and hasn't been tested. Charlie and Minter should be able to outscheme MSU, and will probably have a game much like Pitt, without the sloppy second half.
Final Prediction:
Notre Dame 45
Michigan State 17
The X-factor in this game, and in my opinion the key to transforming this from a win into a blowout, is the crowd. While Michigan State has won four straight at Notre Dame, and talks like they aren't intimidated by the atmosphere, they will be in for a rude awakening this week. Consider this for a moment from the fans' perspective. Last time we saw this team was a 41-38 heartbreaking loss to Pitt, which was one of the final nails in Willingham's coffin as Notre Dame head coach. The game before that was also a heartbreaking loss to hated little-brother school Boston College, the Fredo of Catholic Universities. The Irish were perpetually unranked and undercoached, and it was all we could do to get ourselves up for the game.
Now the very next game, the #10 ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame make their triumphant return to Notre Dame stadium, led by a confident and successful coach who has done everything right since his hiring only months after the previous coach went the way of the Dodo (also known as the Huskies, but we'll get into that next week). We have a top recruiting class, a high ranking, we've managed to prove to the naysayers that we made a good move in getting rid of Ty.
A key to Notre Dame football is the connection the team has with their fans, especially the student body. In 4 fewer years, Ty and Davie managed to lose more home games that Holtz did in his entire career. Also, winning at home builds a buzz around the team, and Davie/Willingham managed a 10-game home winning streak during the transition between the two. Holtz put together a 19-game home winning streak during the run for the national title, almost twice as long. Losses at another team's stadium we can swallow. Losses at home we can't. Expect Charlie to allow his team to feed off te crowd, and rebuild the mystique around Notre Dame stadium , the way he helped to do in Foxboro, where nobody wanted to play in the dead of winter.
Notre Dame Quarterback and Receivers v. Michigan State Secondary
Edge: Notre Dame
Notre Dame's Starters:
Brady Quinn, QB, Jr., 37-57 367 yards, 4 TD, 1 INT, 12 rushes, 58 yards
Maurice Stovall, WR, Sr., 4 receptions, 44 yards
Jeff Samardzija, WR, Jr., 7 receptions, 86 yards, 2 TD
Depth:
Matt Shelton, WR, Sr., 1 reception, 4 yards
David Grimes, WR, Fr.
David Wolke, QB, So., 1 rush, 22 yards
Injury:
Rhema McKnight, WR, Sr., 5 receptions, 69 yards, 1 TD
Michigan State Starters:
Demond Williams, CB, Jr., 5 tackles
Ashton Watson, CB, Sr., 11 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 INT
Greg Cooper, FS, Jr., 8 tackles, 1 PBU
Eric Smith, SS, So., 12 tackles, 1 INT
Depth:
Jaren Hayes, CB, Sr., 5 tackles
Irving Campbell, CB, So., 3 tackles, 1 sack
Mike Bell, FS, So., 1 tackle
Cole Corey, SS, So., 2 tackles, 1 TFL
During the preseason, this would have been a scary discrepancy on paper - Notre Dame's depth and experience against a bunch of green cover guys with almost no depth. With a couple of games under their belts, this gap has lessened, but is still nowhere near a draw. Notre Dame is hurt by the temporary loss of go-to-guy Rhema McKnight, and the MSU secondary has stepped up their game, controlling pass-happy Hawaii last week. Still, Quinn will simply spread the ball around, and I expect the passing game to be effective, if not impressive. I expect Charlie to exploit the secondary with deep routes, using a lot more of Matt Shelton, who is returning to 100% from off-season knee surgery, and his O-line's pass protection.
Notre Dame Running Backs and Tight Ends v. Michigan State Linebackers
Edge: Notre Dame
Notre Dame's Starters:
Darius Walker, RB, So., 46 rushes, 214 yards, 1 TD, 8 receptions, 74 yards, 1 TD
Asaph Schwapp, FB, Fr. 4 rushes, 14 yards
Anthony Fasano, TE, Sr., 8 receptions, 60 yards
Depth:
Rashon Powers-Neal, FB/RB, 14 rushes, 60 yards, 3 TD, 2 reception, 27 yards
Travis Thomas, RB, 8 rushes, 40 yards
Marcus Freeman, TE
John Carlson, TE, 2 receptions, 3 yards
Michigan State Starters:
Kaleb Thornhill, MLB, So., 11 tackles
David Herron, WLB, Jr., 3 tackles
Sirdarean Adams, Bandit, So., 16 tackles, 3 TFL, 1 sack
Depth:
Justin Kershaw, LB, Fr., 2 tackes, 1 sack
Steve Juarez, LB, Jr., 3 tackles
Rob Tabatchnik, Bandit, So., 4 tackles, 2 TFL
Even though Charlie may go too the air more in this game, I still expect him to give Darius 20 touches. The linebacking corps are inexperienced, but they do have some depth and talent. This unit does not have a star like Pitt, or the athletes of Michigan, so if Notre Dame gets a lead, expect us to wear them down with RPN and Schwapp late in the game.
Notre Dame Offensive Line v. Michigan State Defensive Line
Edge: Notre Dame
Notre Dame's Starters:
Ryan Harris, LT, Jr.
Dan Santucci, LG, Sr.
Bob Morton, C, Jr.
Dan Stevenson, RG, Sr.
Mark LeVoir, RT, Sr.
Depth:
Scott Raridon, G, Sr.
Brian Mattes, G, Sr.
John Sullivan, C, Jr.
Michael Turkovich, T, Fr.
Paul Duncan, T, Fr.
Michigan State Starters:
Michael Bazemore, DE, Sr., 5 tackles, 1 TFL
Domata Peko, DT, Sr., 2 tackles
David Stanton, DT, Jr., 2 tackles, 1 TFL
Clifton Ryan, DE, Jr., 3 tackles, 1 TFL
Depth:
Nick Smith, DE, So., 1 TFL
Joe Toth, DT, So.
Justin Kershaw, DT, Fr., 2 tackles, 1 TFL
This defensive line is not very fast or athletic, and should therefore give Brady all day to sit in the pocket. However, they are the biggest D-line we will face this year, so don't look for Weis to test the interior line with the run; he'll probably run off-tackle and sweep plays to isolate the running backs against the linebackers early. Later in the game, the 300+ pounders will tire of attempting to chase Darius, and the lack of depth will come to the forefront. If Charlie gets a lead he'll pound away inside late to take advantage.
Michigan State Quarterback and Receivers v. Notre Dame Secondary
Edge: Draw
Michigan State Starters:
Drew Stanton, QB, Jr., 43-55, 598 yards, 5 TD, 1 INT
Matt Trannon, WR, Sr., 6 receptions, 90 yards, 1 TD
Kyle Brown, WR, Sr., 12 receptions, 133 yards, 1 TD
Jeramy Scott, WR, Jr., 11 receptions, 155 yards, 2 TD
Depth:
Brian Hoyer, QB, Fr., 4-5, 28 yards
Kerry Reed, WR, Jr., 3 receptions, 32 yards
Ryan Allsion, WR, Fr., 1 reception, 9 yards
Terry Love, WR, So., 8 receptions, 164 yards, 1 TD
Notre Dame's Starters:
Mike Richardson, CB, Sr., 8 tackles, 1 PBU
Ambrose Wooden, CB, Jr., 17 tackles, 1 PBU
Tom Zbikowski, SS, Jr., 17 tackles, 2 INT
Chinedum Ndukwe, WS, So., 7 tackles, 1 PBU, 2 fumble recoveries
Depth:
LaBrose Hedgemon II, CB, Jr.
Leo Ferrine, CB, So., 1 tackle
Terrail Lambert, CB, So., 2 tackles
David Bruton, S, Fr., 1 tackle
Kyle McCarthy, S, Fr.
Looking at the gaudy numbers coming in, it is hard to give an edge to Notre Dame's secondary, but this unit isn't nearly as talented (except perhaps at quarterback) as last week's opponent. There are no superstar receivers, but they are talented throughout. Last week, the Irish secondary stepped up their level of play, and for the first time in ages, didn't give up the big touchdown pass. Because I can't tell if Michigan State is for real due to their less-than-stellar opponents to date, and the secondary hasn't played enough games to build a reputation for shutting teams down, I'm calling this a draw. I'm calling for a blow-out win below, but if Michigan State's offense is as good as they appeared to be against lesser opponents, they could be the biggest test for this unit from a scheming standpoint.
Michigan State Running Backs and Tight Ends v. Notre Dame Linebackers
Edge: Notre Dame
Michigan State's Starters:
Jason Teague, RB, Sr., 15 rushes, 92 yards, 1 TD
Ryan Woods, TE, Sr., 1 reception, 2 yards
Depth:
Jehuu Caulcrick, RB, So., 34 rushes, 231 yards, 3 TD
Javon Ringer, RB, ??., 22 rushes, 159 yards, 4 TD
Kellen Davis, TE, So., 1 reception, 20 yards
Notre Dame Starters:
Brandon Hoyte, WLB, Sr., 21 tackles, 5.5 TFL, 3 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 PBU
Corey Mays, MLB, Sr., 11 tackles, 1.5 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU
Maurice Crum, Jr., Apache, Jr., 10 tackles, 1 forced fumble
Depth:
Joe Brockington, LB, Jr., 1 tackle
Mitchell Thomas, LB, Jr., 1 tackle
Anthony Vernaglia, Apache, So.
Steve Quinn, Apache, Fr.
Again, this unit was very prolific in MSU's first couple of games, but Hoyte is playing at a near all-american level, and Corey Mays has shown that he can be a terror as well. Crum improved greatly between weeks one and two, and Michigan State is the first team that doesn't get a lot of production out of their tight ends (despite a system that is designed to have receiver-first blocker-second tight ends). This should free him up a little bit to start hitting people, and could be a key to shutting down this potent offense.
Caulcrick and Teague operate as a running back by committee system, with Teague listed as the starter. However, Caulcrick is the star, and at 243 lbs. is a beast to bring down. Overall, though, this one of the less talented running attacks we'll face this year, and they shouldn't be a problem.
Michigan State Offensive Line v. Notre Dame Defensive Line
Edge: Michigan State
Michigan State Starters:
Stefon Wheeler, LT, Sr.
Kyle Cook, LG, Jr.
Chris Morris, C, Sr.
Gordon Niebylski, RG, Sr.
Mike Gyetvai, RT, So.
Depth:
Tom Kaczmarek, T, Fr.
Daniel Zynn, G, Jr.
John Masters, C, So.
Notre Dame's Starters:
Victor Abiamiri, DE, Jr., 6 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 1 PBU
Trevor Laws, DT, Jr., 2 tackles. 1 PBU D
erek Landri, DT, Sr., 3 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 PBU
Chris Frome, DE, Sr., 2 tackles, 1 TFL, 1 sack, 2 PBU
Depth:
Brian Beidatsch, DT, Sr., 3 tackles, 1 TFL
Dwight Stephenson, Jr., DT, Jr.
Ronald Talley, DE, So., 4 tackles, 1 PBU
Justin Brown, DE, So., 2 tackles
Experience, size, and depth are the triumpherate of good offensive lines, and MSU has them in spades. While they aren't the best line we'll face, they are at least as good as the Michigan O-line. Our defensive line showed their awareness by batting down 5 balls last week, and have been good at getting pressure, but their lack of sacks continue to worry me, especially with a quarterback in Stanton that uses his feet to buy time in the pocket or rush for a first down. If Vic Abiamiri is going to prove himself as a pass-rusher worthy of the fear that Justin Tuck engendered last year, he'll have to do it soon.
Notre Dame Head Coach v. Michigan State Head Coach
Edge: Notre Dame
Notre Dame's Head Coach: Charlie Weis, 1st year, 2-0
Michigan State Head Coach: John L. Smith, 3rd year, 13-12 (2-0)
Until somebody shows me that they can plan for Charlie's preparation, I'm going to give the edge to Charlie every time. John L. Smith is a system coach who came to MSU from Louisville (who hasn't suffered much since he left...), and his system seems to be coming together. His defense is still suspect, and hasn't been tested. Charlie and Minter should be able to outscheme MSU, and will probably have a game much like Pitt, without the sloppy second half.
Final Prediction:
Notre Dame 45
Michigan State 17
The X-factor in this game, and in my opinion the key to transforming this from a win into a blowout, is the crowd. While Michigan State has won four straight at Notre Dame, and talks like they aren't intimidated by the atmosphere, they will be in for a rude awakening this week. Consider this for a moment from the fans' perspective. Last time we saw this team was a 41-38 heartbreaking loss to Pitt, which was one of the final nails in Willingham's coffin as Notre Dame head coach. The game before that was also a heartbreaking loss to hated little-brother school Boston College, the Fredo of Catholic Universities. The Irish were perpetually unranked and undercoached, and it was all we could do to get ourselves up for the game.
Now the very next game, the #10 ranked Fighting Irish of Notre Dame make their triumphant return to Notre Dame stadium, led by a confident and successful coach who has done everything right since his hiring only months after the previous coach went the way of the Dodo (also known as the Huskies, but we'll get into that next week). We have a top recruiting class, a high ranking, we've managed to prove to the naysayers that we made a good move in getting rid of Ty.
A key to Notre Dame football is the connection the team has with their fans, especially the student body. In 4 fewer years, Ty and Davie managed to lose more home games that Holtz did in his entire career. Also, winning at home builds a buzz around the team, and Davie/Willingham managed a 10-game home winning streak during the transition between the two. Holtz put together a 19-game home winning streak during the run for the national title, almost twice as long. Losses at another team's stadium we can swallow. Losses at home we can't. Expect Charlie to allow his team to feed off te crowd, and rebuild the mystique around Notre Dame stadium , the way he helped to do in Foxboro, where nobody wanted to play in the dead of winter.
Sunday, September 11, 2005
Week 3 Rankings
The University of Notre Dame has retaken their rightful place among college football's elite programs in the national rankings (#10 AP, #12 ESPN/USA Today).
Below are my rankings, through which I compare strength of opponents, strength of wins (did you beat opponents you were supposed to beat? did you squeak by an opponent you should have kicked all over the field?) and especially record. Here is my top 25 this week:
1. Southern California
2. Texas
3. Louisiana State
4. Georgia
5. Virginia Tech
6. Notre Dame
7. Tennessee
8. Florida
9. Purdue
10. Louisville
11. California
12. Georgia Tech
13. Ohio State
14. Boston College
15. Texas Tech
16. Virginia
17. Clemson
18. Alabama
19. Iowa State
20. Florida State
21. Utah
22. Arizona State
23. Michigan
24. Oklahoma
25. Auburn
Below are my rankings, through which I compare strength of opponents, strength of wins (did you beat opponents you were supposed to beat? did you squeak by an opponent you should have kicked all over the field?) and especially record. Here is my top 25 this week:
1. Southern California
2. Texas
3. Louisiana State
4. Georgia
5. Virginia Tech
6. Notre Dame
7. Tennessee
8. Florida
9. Purdue
10. Louisville
11. California
12. Georgia Tech
13. Ohio State
14. Boston College
15. Texas Tech
16. Virginia
17. Clemson
18. Alabama
19. Iowa State
20. Florida State
21. Utah
22. Arizona State
23. Michigan
24. Oklahoma
25. Auburn
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