Gothamist's Div. 1A Top 15
Some changes atop Gothamist's rankings this week. While none of the top 5 teams lost, there are changes in the top 3 spots from last week's rankings. Our computer (Justin S.), with only gut feelings and no formula, likes the Auburn Tigers as this week's #1 team.
1. Auburn – With Oklahoma’s struggles comes a change at the top this week, but the Tigers will be tested immediately with a visit from Georgia this week.
2. Southern Cal – A bit of a scare this week, but able to overcome miserable weather conditions (heavy fog) to win at Oregon State.
3. Oklahoma – Wow, all the way from first to third? These things can happen when you have 3 teams that are so evenly matched. For the second straight week, the Sooners needed some luck at the end to win, and their once vaunted defense suddenly appears to be very vulnerable.
4. California – On a day of near upsets, Cal squeaked one out themselves against Oregon.
5. Wisconsin – Destroyed Minnesota, although as usual the Gophers have fallen apart in the second half of the season. Almost moved ahead of Cal this week – if the Badgers win out we’ll probably have to jump them over the Bears.
6. Georgia – Expect this to be a temporary spot for the Bulldogs, who will drop out of the top ten after they lose to Auburn this week.
7. Texas – Would the real Texas please stand up? Are they the team that feel behind Oklahoma St. 35-7, or the team that rallied to win 56-35?
8. Utah – Earlier wins over Texas A&M and North Carolina look better now, but it’s a shame we can’t see Utah play better competition to find out how they really stack up.
9. Michigan – OSU in Columbus is always tough, but Wolverines can’t overlook Northwestern this week. The spread offense with a mobile QB has given UofM trouble in the past, and the Wildcats are fighting for a bowl berth. Quick, which Big 10 team has the best record vs. Lloyd Carr? Surprise: Northwestern at 4-3.
10. Virginia – Nice win over an OK Maryland team which just beat Florida State.
11. Louisville – Great offense, lousy defense. Needed 56 points to outlast Memphis on Thursday night (56-49).
12. Boise State – Similar to Utah, this is a talented team we would love to see facing BCS conference competition every week.
13. Florida State – An ugly win vs. Duke for this enigmatic team. Yes, they beat Virginia, but FSU lost to Maryland also and has 2 losses to the Cavs 1.
14. West Virginia – They still haven’t really beaten anyone, but as you can see we are running out of quality teams to rank at this point!
15. Iowa – Rebounded nicely from back to back losses in September. Can they spoil Wisconsin’s unbeaten season in 2 weeks? Don’t count out the Hawkeyes, they’re very tough at home.
- Rankings by Justin S.
