The Mission Top Five

Alright all you USC Haters last week was your week to crow. After Michigan lost in the upset of the century, the only question this year was how long 'til another giant bit the dust. Since SC barely got by Washington, I think we all thought they were going to be the one, but no one thought Standford would do the deed. It is indeed a Topsy Turvy season so far. If you want to think about some of the potential hijinx, check out the full rankings at Shadow Sports. He likes to think in terms of worst nightmares for the NCAA and the BCS. 1. LSU (6-0) – The Tigers knocked off Florida in a hard fought game. It doesn’t get any easier with a road trip to Kentucky this week and Auburn, slayer of top 10 opponents next week. 2. Ohio St. (6-0) – Ohio St.’s defense has looked great so far. The question is how it will hold up against a top level offense after last season’s collapse. Another question is will it matter as there are no top level offenses in the Big Ten. 3. Cal (5-0) – The Bears were one of the biggest beneficiaries of all the upsets the last two weeks, and nearly ascended to the number one ranking. 4. Boston College (6-0) – The Eagles have one more game on the JV slate; then we will really learn how good they are. 5. Arizona St. (6-0) – The Sun Devils didn’t have it last week at Washington St., but found a way to win, something past Sun Devils teams have been unable to do, and something others have been unable to do this year. (as always, take all you want, just give us credit)

The Mission Top Five

Here it is and this week we have another pretender to the Top Five throne. Let's face it. The top four teams are virtually inseperable so everyone else in the country is fighting for the number five slot. Today that honor falls to West Virginia, who will probably lose this week. Gordon, I am sure that if Oregon wins their big Game Day battle against Cal in a couple of weeks, they just might finally crack the top five. The bigger question will come when one of the big four loses. Will pollsters drop them or will they acknowledge that even with a loss, these four are head and shoulders above the rest of the college football fraternity. 1. LSU (4-0) – LSU replaces USC at number one in part because of another strong performance against a ranked team and in part because of Ball St hanging 600 yards and 40 points on Nebraska making USC’s win last week a little less impressive. 2. USC (3-0) – Remember that the top 2 play for the title. There is little difference between numbers one and two. USC will get a stiff test on the road against Washington this week. 3. Oklahoma (4-0) – Another week, another 50 points. The streak may end against a stout Colorado defense this weekend, but an easy win will still be there for the taking. 4. Florida (4-0) – The defending national champs get their shot at revenge this week. Struggling Auburn is the opponent and my guess is that it will take some offensive touchdowns to pull the upset this year. 5. West Virginia (4-0) – This is the week for West Virginia. During this great run over the past few seasons, they still haven’t knocked off a highly ranked foe on the road. The win won’t be coming this week because the defense still hasn’t been tested and will fail this week.

The Mission Top Five

Here you go folks. I told you last week that I didn't think Wisconsin belonged in the Top Five and lo and behold, Shadow Sports dropped them a little. Gordon, Oregon is getting close in the complete poll, [Number 10] but they are still not Top Five material. Actually, here is where I am at in all of this. The top four teams in the country are USC, LSU, Oklahoma, and Florida. No question about it. They could all lose a game and in my opinion, they'd still be the best 4 teams in the country. So that leaves one place for the rest of the college football fraternity to fight over and this weeks winner seems to be...Penn State. With the worst helmets in football. Finally, I told you either Michigan or Notre Dame would win last week. The question now becomes whether or not Our Mother of South Bend can even score a touchdown on offense. Rankings (W-L, Last Week in Parenthesis) 1. USC (2-0, 1) – USC looked impressive enough in a tough road game to keep the top ranking. Things get a little easier this week (Washington St. at home). For anyone on the west coast, avoid the ABC Saturday night slaughter and watch the SEC showdown on ESPN. 2. LSU (3-0, 2) – We now know the difference between LSU and Louisville: defense. LSU shutout Middle Tennessee St. while the offense rolled. Louisville gave up 42 points while the offense rolled. 3. Oklahoma (3-0, 3) – Oklahoma has been flat out dominant so far, but against sub par competition (the Miami defense might be good, but when the offense can’t get a first down, you get tired fast). This week could be a spot of minor trouble (ask BYU about Tulsa). 4. Florida (3-0, 6) – After destroying Tennessee, it is valid to ask the question: Is Tennessee being overvalued since the defense has looked awful, or another question: Is Florida-Cal going to be the title game? 5. Penn St. (3-0, 7) – Penn St. slept through last week’s game against Buffalo. They won’t be able to do that this week with a revitalized Michigan on deck. (you know the drill...take all you want, just give us a link. preferably hot!)

The Mission Top Five

Okay, so last week we missed getting our rankings up, but this week we are back on schedule. So here is what you missed. LSU looks awesome. They won big and totally trashed Va. Tech last week. Auburn will lose more than they win if they have to score more than 20 points to win. Their offense is just that...offensive. Wisconsin does not belong in the Mission Top Five, but what can I say, I am contractually bound to keep them there, even if the owner of Shadow Sports has a screw loose. Sorry Gordon, maybe next week Oregon makes the grade. So here you go, this weeks rankings and my picks for the week. SC kills Nebraska and either Michigan or Notre Dame will finally win a game. Rankings (W-L, Last Week in Parenthesis) 1. USC (1-0, 1) – To avoid dropping to number three, the Trojans need an impressive win in their national showcase game after LSU and Oklahoma sparkled in theirs. This week: at 19 Nebraska (2-0) 2. LSU (2-0, 2) – The LSU offense was a revelation in the demolition of Virginia Tech. Even if there is a letdown, the defense will keep LSU unbeaten for now, despite the presence of an offensively potent Middle Tennessee team (ask Louisville about that). This week: Middle Tennessee St. (0-2) 3. Oklahoma (2-0, 4) – The toughest early season test has been passed with flying colors. Now they just need to beat Texas and avoid some of the defensive letdowns of years past and the national title game, or at least an undefeated season is in sight. This week: Utah St. (0-2) 4. Louisville (2-0, 3) – Just a thought, if my offense rolled up 58 points and over 700 yards of offense, I would have won in a blowout and my second and third teamers would have given up 28 of those 42 points. That Middle Tennessee scored on their first five drives should really worry Louisville fans with Kentucky and the SEC’s best offense this week. The only silver lining: The Kentucky defense is somehow even worse meaning Louisville should win, even if it’s by whoever has the ball last conditions. This week: at Kentucky (2-0) 5. Wisconsin (2-0, 5) – The Badgers were lucky to get out of Las Vegas in one piece. Fortunately for them, there are a few weeks before the next legitimate test. That comes October 13 at Penn St. This week: The Citadel (1-AA) (take all you want, just give us credit)